Knowledge and utilization of computer among health-care professionals in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Incorporation of information technology (IT) advancements in health care has gained wide acceptance in the last two decades. Developed countries have successfully incorporated this in their health-care system, thus improving health care. However, only a limited application of IT is seen in developing countries. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and utilization of computers among health-care professionals in Mumbai, India. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among dental, medical, Ayurveda, and homeopathy practitioners. A total of 1000 respondents (250/group) were included in the study. The first section of the questionnaire sought sociodemographic information of respondents, and the second section sought information on the level to which health-care practitioners apply computers to tasks at their places of work, accessibility of the Internet, views regarding the cost of a computer, and the problems associated with the medical recording system at their places of work. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 17. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Two hundred and fifty participants in each profession were included in the study. The age ranged between 23 and 65 years. Majority (>80%) of the participants had knowledge about word processing program and slide preparation for presentation. On comparison, knowledge was more in medical and dental professionals (P = 0.04). Almost 80% were in the opinion that electronic system for records is better than paper-based recording system, but majority of them reported lack of such facility at their workplace. Knowledge and utilization was higher among the doctors having postgraduate qualification compared to undergraduates (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The study showed average knowledge but lack of utilization of computers by health-care professionals in routine practice. More research should be done into the factors that play an important role in computer use among health-care professionals in developing societies.