Abstract
Objectives: In recent years Tanzania introduced digital technologies in health industry where several initiatives such as Government of Tanzania, Hospital Management Information System (GoT-HoMIS) along other digital devices are taken to ensure quality services delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess Health Care Providers (HCPs) knowledge and attitude towards the use of Digital Health Technology (DHT) in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (TRRH).
 Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design involving 50 purposively selected HCPs from obstetrics and gynecology department was used. A self-administered questionnaire and direct field observation was used to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20 and presented by using tables, percentages and frequencies.
 Results: We found that, DHT are highly used by HCPs 49(98%). Also, DHT devices are available and functioning properly thus used in providing maternal health services by enhancing effective patient management. 43(86%) of HCPs were aware on DHT practice and about 46(92%) understood the use of DHT in provision of maternal health services despite of varying knowledge level. On the side of attitude, we found that, 43(86%) of the HCP had a positive attitude on the use of DHT.
 Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes and rate of use of DHT by HCP was found to be good, despite notable challenges such as dependent on the internet signals for their proper functioning. More initiatives should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Community and other stakeholders to promote DHT practices in the health facilities.
Highlights
Provision of Maternal health services continues to be a serious problem in developing countries, in Africa, the current world focuses on the need to improve maternal health services, with the use of digital technologies brought by continuous innovations on science and technology.[1]
The study targeted Health Care Professionals (HCPs) with 18 years and above from the obstetrics and gynecology department composed of five units, that is, maternity, gynecology, pediatrics general, neonates, and Reproductive Child Health (RCH), as they are responsible with the provision of maternal health services
The rate of use of digital heath technology in provision of maternal health services With regard to the rate of use of digital health technologies by HCP, a majority of respondents 100% responded that digital health technologies and devices, that is, GoT-HoMIS and mobile phones were available and installed at their working area
Summary
Provision of Maternal health services continues to be a serious problem in developing countries, in Africa, the current world focuses on the need to improve maternal health services, with the use of digital technologies brought by continuous innovations on science and technology.[1] At present, 85% of the world has been covered by cell phone signals, in which 95% of people live in areas covered with mobile cellular networks and mobile broadband networks (3G, 4G or above) reachable to 84% of the world’s population.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
