Knowledge and Attitude of Saudi Health Professionals Towards Using Technology at Workplace - Essay Example

Knowledge and Attitude of Saudi Health Professionals towards Using Technology at Workplace This paper discusses the knowledge and attitudes of health professional in Saudi Arabia in relation to technology. Apparently, it is worth noting that technology is very crucial in the field of health particularly in treatment procedures and other procedures that would otherwise not be present without technology. As such, it is important to note that technology is not static hence changes with time. This study aims at making findings on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals as have been requested by most of the health sectors stakeholders. Consequently, the study will be done through the use cross-sectional survey design. Basically, cross-sectional survey design is crucial in the study because it will be used to collect data on a given sample of participants who will be chosen from a cross section of health professionals. Moreover, the study will have data analysis to ascertain what has been researched. In a general sense, the analysis will give a clear cut on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards technology. INTRODUCTION Health institutions are some of the most crucial institutions in most countries across that world. They are known to work in accordance to the medical rules and regulations that govern specific countries. Saudi Arabia is one of the numerous countries that has continuously sort to improve the quality of healthy through educating its professionals on the expected knowledge and attitudes particularly pertaining to the use of technology in hospitals and other health facilities (Huber, 2009). Apparently, it has been documented that in 2007during the customary five year strategic health plan for the country, the Ministry of Health in Saudi published numerous main challenges that the health institutions were facing. To begin with, it was noted that there was lack of efficiency in the service delivery system which was as a result of poor coordination between the institution and other stakeholders. In addition, there was lack of health care planning that culminated to immeasurable lack of integration among the three health care systems; primary, secondary and tertiary. Similarly, it was noted that there was absence of modern incentive based payment systems. As such, it was argued that there was a necessity to embrace technology to ensure that these issues were dealt with accordingly. Of most important was to reduce the absence of data that is mandatory in policy and decision making. Consequently, the presence of data improves coordination in health institutions in reference to delivery of patient health care. In this regard, it is crucial that Saudi health institutions should come up with strategies that are aimed at educating health professionals on the importance of using technology in their work. For instance, health institutions should organise for educational and training facilities to enable them adapt as well as familiarise with technology as the world is quickly changing in terms of technology (Zongmin, 2007). Initially, the use of technology cannot be ruled out as having not been used in health institutions in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world. In fact, health institutions have continuously used certain technologies to treat diseases such as cancer, heart attack, kidney failure among other chronic diseases through chemotherapy, radio therapy and other technology affiliated treatment processes. Never the less, technology across the world is not static. It keeps advancing in reference to the research been carried out. In light of this, it is crucial to understand the level of knowledge that is held by health professionals as they play the chief role in health. Moreover, it is also important to understand the attitude they possess in relation to technology. Through this, it becomes easier to work out technological issues in heath facilities (Morabito, 2012). Statement of the Problem It is evident that there is lack of adequate knowledge in health practitioners with inclusion of varying attitudes on technology. Previous studies on health have indicated that technology has continuously been used in specific treatments although it has been minimal. For instance, the Ministry of Health in Saudi carried out a research on breastfeeding knowledge related attitudes and barriers that was aimed at infant feeding and maternal age. In the research, the attitudes defined were directed to breast feeding. In addition, another research dealt more on primary health care physicians’ knowledge and use of medical education. Never the less, most of these studies have not taken keen interest in making further research on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards the use of technology at their work places. In respect to this, there is a necessity to fill the gap since technology is inevitable and the main carriers in the health sectors are the health professionals and the level of attitude towards the same. Aims and Objective of the Study Aims This study aims at making findings on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals that have been requested by most health sector stakeholders. Apparently, it is thought that there are attitudes that health care professionals have particularly towards the use of technology in relation to computers and information that emanate from internet sources. Consequently, health care professionals who have positive attitude towards understanding the necessity of improving their knowledge towards technology especially through the internet are better positioned to deliver more effectively as compared to those who do not embrace technology. For instance, positive attitude means that individual professionals area have the willingness to learn even on their own on technology related to their process. In light of this, this study aims at ensuring that information pertaining to this research is gathered in all health facilities is dedicated at collecting data and seeking solution on the same. Objectives Continuous technological advancement especially on health sector is evidence of better services in the field. General objective of the study The objective of the study is to examine the level of knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards the use of technology in their work places. Specific objectives of the study To access the perception given of the flexibility of health professionals towards the anticipated embracing of technology in their work place. To determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude of health professionals in reference to technology To demonstrate the impact of technology in health facilities especially through health professionals LITERATURE REVIEW Deliberations by most researchers indicate that there is little evidence of the differences between medical practitioners trained using old system of training and the web-based training. Nevertheless, as Yousef (2011) noted, there is disparity in advocating for both technological training and use by the medical practitioners in their line of duty. In a different view, Saranto & Hovenga (2004) believed that although there is no big difference in the use of old system of training and application of technology in training, much difference can be witnessed during medical practice in regard to efficiency, accuracy, competence, and overall better results exhibited by medical practitioners that were trained and continues to use technological applications in their practice. In this regard, it is apparent that there is a lot need to be looked at when deliberating on the importance of using technology in the medical sector and more so by the medical practitioners. Nevertheless, there is a need to focus on issues or barriers to adoption of technology by some regions in the healthcare system. For instance, there are several issues that related to adoption of the use of technology by the medical practitioners. Some of these issues relate to their credibility and integrity as medical practitioners. This is arguably true because when technology is embraced by the healthcare system, the medical practitioners are bound to use it in all areas of their operations. In a broader spectrum, application of technology in the healthcare system includes advancements in the recruitment and selection process of medical practitioners, training and development, which accounts for promotions and demotions, and performance appraisals. In this regard, it is apparent that when medical practitioners are not well equipped with the knowledge on the importance of the use of technology in their practice could lead to misunderstanding of its applications. In light of this, Anker & Reinhart (2011) proposed that prior proper preparation and sensitisation of the medical practitioners could lead to the practitioners developing the right perception towards the application of technology. The role of technology on practitioner’s performance Studies have documented that technology can enhance total quality management (TQM) in organisations. Some of the techniques advocated by TQM and enhanced by technology include performance appraisals where employees are required to evaluate their performance by feeding their performance information in given programs that can easily be analysed using specific software. With total quality management tools, employers have full knowledge of the performance of their employees thus can easily make decisions on whether to promote or demote employees. Nevertheless, some employees fail to understand the importance of such tools in regard to their performance. The same tools can be used by employees to enhance areas identified to have weaknesses (Anker & Reinhart, 2011). On the same note, employees can also identify competences and techniques they applied to perform well in some areas thus they can employ the same to areas identified to have poor performance. However, if employees and specifically the medical practitioners lack this knowledge, they develop a negative attitude toward such concepts fostered by technology. Studies have documented that adoption of technology requires collaboration by all stakeholders. For instance, in order for technology to be a well incorporated concept in Saudi Arabia, the government must be in the front line in provision of incentives that encourages adoption of technology by its citizens and various institutions. In addition, the healthcare system must also be in the frontline in endorsing and encourage the use of technology in the sector (Avril, 2003). When the use technology becomes widely accepted by the relevant authorities, medical practitioners must also join the list and use technology in their line of duty. Therefore, it is arguably true to say that if the government does not embrace technology and emphasize on it, the medical practitioners would not find it critical to use technology in their practice. In another dimension, studies have indicated that in order for the medical practitioners to have positive attitude towards the use of technology, the general public should not be left behind in the use and exposure to technology. Olson & Dweek (2008) argued that this is imperative because it would enhance medical processes and improve general health of the public. For instance, through web-based programs, medical practitioners can post different medical practices or tips that can educate the public on the how to stay healthy. In addition, before visiting any medical center, the public can be enlightened on the required steps to take to speed up service delivery. For instance, in the United States, although the use of electronic medical record has been faced with various challenges and debate on its credibility, it has proven to be critical in enhancing service provision in the healthcare sector. Some of the challenges of technology in the healthcare sector are highly contributed by the fact that some cultures are yet to embrace technology. For example, the notion that the use of Chips used for medical record keeping can cause cancer has highly facilitated cultures to criticize the use of such technologies. Social cognitive theory and attitude by health professionals In this theory, Bandura emphasizes on behavioral change which is fostered by a synthesis of cognitive, emotional and behavioristic understanding toward a desired change (Olson & Dweek, 2008). Through this theory, it is possible to apply its concepts in helping medical practitioners that have negative attitude towards the use of technology. In addition, since patients are also part of what contributes to negative attitudes by doctors towards the use of technology, the theory can be used to design health promotion inter interventions. Nevertheless, in order for the medical practitioners to change their view on the use technology, it is critical to focus on what Bandura identified as the three main constructs: those that relate to person or individual, those that concern the environment, and those that articulate on the behavior itself. In this regard, in order to have a comprehensive change of negative attitude towards the use of techno logy by medical practitioners, it is imperative to sensitize them on focusing on the positive impact of technology and the best way to minimize the negative impact associated with the use of technology. In addition, barriers to the use of technology can as well be articulated upon and the ways of dealing with them identified. For instance, it is evident that environment plays a critical role in influencing medical practitioners in adapting the use of technology especially where the environment is harsh or does not support the use of technology. A good example is where there is political instability. In such conditions, it would be challenging to use technology in various ways. In addition, some living conditions do not provide incentives that support the use of technology. For example, it would not be possible to use technology effectively in areas without electricity. In such situations, medical practitioners can be encouraged in using alternative means that can provide power/energy. In situations where it is the medical practitioners that have problems with applying technology in their practices, the theory suggest that they can reevaluate themselves and channel their efforts towards cultivating positive attitude towards the use of technology. This applies in situations where the individual could have witnessed a negative impact as a result of the use of technology. In such a situation, the individual is put through a series of steps through which they can focus on changing their perception towards the use of technology. This goes hand in hand with the behaviors of the individuals that discourage them from using technology. Some individuals may fear the use of technology because of their integrity that would be put to task by the use of technology. In their study on measures and methods of information seeking, Anker & Reinhart, (2011) found out that the use of computers and internet greatly help healthcare professionals to realise the importance of research evidence to practice. As part of advancing their practice knowledge, internet provides the best platform on which different topics in healthcare provisions can be found. Further, Agre, & Rotenberg (1998) found out that some of the medical practitioner’s behavior towards the use of technology are determined by factors such as computer accessibility, place of practice and specialty of the practitioner. On the same note, Jaffe (2006) pointed out that although there have been efforts to introduce medical practitioners to information technology, most of them lack the necessary knowledge and skills in the application of IT. Therefore, a continued IT training is critical to all medical practitioners. Spector, et al. (2013) also noted that providing IT support equipments and programs does not translate to medical practitioners utilising them adequately. In fact, Webster (2002) Continued to argue that some medical practitioners develop negative attitude towards technology, and more so the use of computers when they are not given IT trainers. Although it may be seen to be a simple task to apply common knowledge in regard to using computers, it is critical to have formal training by an IT professional. This boosts the morale by the medical practitioners to endorse technology and actually find it fun to use computers in their practices. In another dimension, since most of the medical practitioners are subjected to the use of computers and specific IT programs when in practice, they find it extra work to learn IT applications instead of concentrating on their medical practice. In fact, some of them may feel that IT trainers are just their juniors and that they cannot or are not supposed to tell them what to do and what not to do. In such instances, they develop negative attitude towards technology and specifically on learning new things in IT that seems to consume their time. In addition, medical practitioners have for a long time been seen as knowledge-intensive employees that are above many people. With this regard, they view themselves as superior to other employees and are likely not to share or submit to other employees including IT trainers. However, Palvia, et al. (2012) noted that even with this notion, other professional such as IT trainers can help them better their competence and improve service delivery. Research indicates that when medical practitioners give room for information sharing and collaboration with other groups helps to improve on various issues. Nevertheless, it is apparent that the negative attitude by most medical practitioners to using IT in their applications in because they do not like it when their junior medical staffs can use clinical IT to access their knowledge, and this helps them to maintain their professional autonomy. However, in a more specific focus, Watkins & Ehst (2008) noted that other problems associated with knowledge and attitude of health professional towards technology in workplace are related to the professional themselves. Some of them lack interest in IT since during their formal education, most of them were not introduced to IT thus view later IT training as additional knowledge that is specifically needed by professional using specific information management systems. In addition, some healthcare professionals find it difficult to accommodate overwhelming educational demands such as clinical governance as well as evidence based practice. In this regard, different stakeholders have found it necessary to slowly integrate IT training to healthcare professionals by introducing incentives such as supporting healthcare professionals in identifying their preference training and development needs. Nevertheless, there is general lack of empirical evidence in developing adequate IT training programs that can suit every healthcare professional. In addition, there is little knowledge of specific IT needs of every healthcare professional. In this regard, it is critical to have adequate research carried out on how best they can be encouraged to use IT in their practices. With such deliberations, it is evident that there is need to have adequate research carried out on how best the barriers to IT utilisation by the healthcare professionals can be enhanced to bring out top results in the sector. Although these barriers are not uniform in all areas because of differences with environment, individual, and behaviors towards the use IT, there is a need to narrow down to specific factors and work out on mitigating them. METHODOLOGY Research Design The present study will be done through the use cross-sectional survey design. Basically, cross-sectional survey design is crucial in the study because it will be used to collect data on a given sample of participants who will be chosen from a cross section of health professionals to determine their knowledge and attitudes in technology. During the process, there will be use of stratified random sampling in selecting participants. Similarly, the study will use questionnaire and interview in order to gather firsthand information on the research. Once data collection has been completed, there will be editing, coding of similar themes, with inclusion of classification and tabulation of data. This essential process ensures that there is efficient analysis on the findings. In addition, graphs and tables will be used to present data that has already been gathered (Bryman & Bell, 2003). Data Analysis In a bid to analyze the data effectively, there must be editing, coding of similar themes and finally classifying the data. During the analysis, there is ample time to detect errors and omissions which might have occurred during data collection. Move over, there data is compressed into homogenous groups which are necessary in coming up with meaningful relationships. Of importance to note is that the compressing of data ensures that similar responses are combined to evaluate findings as per the responses. Furthermore, descriptive and inferential analysis is important for the measurement and determination of relationships bound to exist among the variables. In a general sense, the analysis will give a clear cut on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards technology. Location access and gate keepers As would be expected, the issue of gate keeping e is very crucial in every research. It is through gate keeping that researchers are allowed or denied access to a particular location. This is mostly applied to avoid vulnerability to health professionals once they have been requested to participate in the research. In this regard, the research should focus on those present in the research site and strategise on a making sure that they have secured support from them. It is worth mentioning that gatekeepers will be present in both organisational and professional level such as the research coordinator and the hospital director. Thus, the research coordinator ensures that he or she is aware of how the research is going on within the organisation. On the other hand, the hospital director must get an assurance from the researcher that he or she is competent and the research is thereby credible. Hence, sufficient time must be dedicated for this course. Data Collection In reference to gathering information that has empirical evidence on the given subject, it is important that the researcher seeks to gather firsthand information by used of questionnaires and interviews (Cozby & Bates,2012). Questionnaire According to scholars, questionnaires are the primary data collection instrument. In most studies, questionnaires are designed to comprise of two parts. The first part is normally comprised of close ended questions while the second part has open ended questions. Essentially the second part aims at establishing whether the participants have the anticipated knowledge and attitudes towards the use of technology in workplaces. It is worth noting that questionnaires are presented to the participants through direct interaction. Interviews This is mostly referred to as the secondary tool in data collection. It is said to involve session where the researchers ask questions to the respondents with much anticipation of getting response in reference to the given study. As such, the researcher will come up with questions in both structured and semi structured interview guides. The main importance of using interview as a data collection tool is that the interviewee is given a guarantee in following up some of the interesting responses thus giving more incites on the phenomenon at hand. None the less, the researcher might have some predetermined questions which ought to be used appropriately in the study. Validity, Rigor and Reliability In every research, it is important to put into consideration the reliability of the instruments that are been used in the study. This is confirmed through testing and retesting that is mainly done by the researcher. However, this is mostly achievable through piloting instruments before the onset of the study. In addition, the researcher must seek assistance from the supervisor so as to give affirmation on the relevance of the content of the instruments to be used so as to confirm the validity. Governance and Ethical Issues According to scholars in research, the frameworks revolving around standard research have the mandate of ensuring that everyone involved in the study is safe and more so has maintained their dignity. It is with no doubt therefore that the researcher should practise the highest level of ethical procedure particularly during data collection. In the ongoing study, the researcher will avoid questions that may attempt to tarnish their dignity in any way, thus avoid causing physical and psychological abuse. Additionally, the research should be of high quality and one that has balanced spectrum of research activities that are dealt with. In the same way, it is crucial that the researcher seek permission from relevant authority before the onset of study. This will be applicable when seeking participants in health institutions suggested (Gregory, 2003). PROPOSED DISSEMINATION At the end of the research, the information gathered will be handed over to the Saudi Ministry of Health. From here, the ministry will disseminate the findings to all health institutions through workshops. It is during these workshops where the stakeholders will be given an opportunity to suggestions on additional methods of disseminating the information. However, some of the information will be displayed to the participants (health professionals and concerned parties) through the use of computer technology. Similarly, international players such as World Health Organisation (WHO) will access the information through hard copies, and official meetings that will be planned between them and the Ministry of Health (Punch, 2009). For this reason then, the anticipated results will be used by other scholars to make more entry into world of technology and the level of knowledge that is present in health professionals. Moreover, students and current professional will have the privilege to contribute to some of the recommendation as suggestions put across by after the findings have been released. As expected, people will know why there existed such as research gap and the how the gap would be filled. R Of most importance is that the findings will not benefit a specific group of people but a wide variety of both individual and organisation with the intention of coming up with the intended purpose of improving the quality of health through advanced technology (Punch, 2009). References: Yousef, M. (2011). Medical professionals oral health knowledge, attitudes & practices performed for high-risk children. Retrieved on 23rd Jan 2014 from: http://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2692&context=etd Saranto, K & Hovenga, E. (2004). Information literacy-what is it about? International journal of informatics, 73, 503-513. Anker, A & Reinhart, T. (2011). Health information seeking: A review of measures and methods. Patient information and counseling, 82, 346-354. Avril, L. (2003). The role of ICT. London: continuum. Olson, R. K & Dweek, C. S. (2008). A blueprint for social cognitive development. Perspective on psychological science, 3 (3), 193-202. Bryman, A & Bell, E., (2003). Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press. Cozby, P. & Bates, S. (2012). Methods in behavioral research (11thed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Gregory, I. (2003). Ethics in research. Continuum International Publishing Group, London. Huber, R. (2009). The role of information technology and telecommunications in promoting economic development in the European Community. International Journal of Technology Management. 1(2), 501-513. Punch, K. (2009) Developing effective research proposals. London, SAGE) Jaffe, E. (2006). Globalization and Development. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing. Spector, J. et al. (2013). Handbook of Research on Educational Communications and Technology. Berlin, HB: Springer Science & Business. Agre, P. & Rotenberg, M (1998).Technology and Privacy: The New Landscape. Massachusetts: MIT Press. Webster, F. (2002). Theories of the information society. London: Routledge. Palvia, P. et al. (2012). Information Technology issues in healthcare: hospital CEO and CIO perspectives. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 30 (1): 293- 312. Morabito, V. (2012). Business Technology Organization: Managing Digital Information Technology for Value Creation - The SIGMA Approach. New York: Springer. Watkins, A. & Ehst, M. (2008). Science, Technology, and Innovation: Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth and Poverty Reduction. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications. Zongmin, M. (2007). Intelligent Databases: Technologies And Applications. Hanebeck: Idea Group Inc (IGI). APPENDIXES Appendix I: Questionnaire SECTION A (Background information) 1. For how many years have you served as a healthcare professional? i. 0 – 2 years ii. 5 years iii. 6- 10 years iv. Above 10 years 2. How many years have you been using IT in your practice? i. 0- 2 years ii. 2 – 5 years iii. Above 5 years SECTION B: Healthcare Professionals’ Awareness on the Benefits of the Use of IT in Their Practice (Tick where appropriate) 3. What is the training policy in your organization? a) The company funds training b) The staff caters for their own training c) No policy exists d) Any other (state---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. (a)Is your place of work aware of the benefits of using IT? i. Yes ii. No iii. Can’t tell 5. (b) If yes, on average, how many employees in your organisation have been enrolled in IT training? i. Few ii. Many iii. None 6. In your opinion, to what extent do you agree with the following statements that hinder your organization from using IT? SECTION C. Availability of IT Skilled Healthcare Professional 7. How readily does your organization fill a vacancy at the management level? i. Immediately ii. Within a month iii. More than a month iv. Un acceptable time 8. How readily does the organization fill positions in the operations level? i. Immediately ii. Within a month iii. More than a month iv. Un acceptable time 9. Are there IT skills gaps in the organization? i. Yes ii. No iii. Can’t tell 10. According to you, how important is IT in your practice? i. Extremely Important ii. Important iii. Not important iv. Can’t tell 11. Would you consider the level of IT use in the organization adequate? i. Yes ii. No iii. Can’t tell 12. Rate the applicability of IT usage by a healthcare professional. Highly applicable Applicable Lowly applicable Not applicable Can’t tell Management and supervisory Leadership Skill upgrading Improved performance 4. Appendix 2: Timescale 30th Jan, 2014 15thFeb , 2014 1st March, 2014 1st , April 2014 11st May, 2014 30th June, 2014 Project outlining Consultations Training Research Assistant Field Work Activities Data Processing Data Analysis Report Writing Report submission Appendix 3: The budget Item Number of units £ Unit Cost £ Total cost Project planning - 100 100 Research assistants training 2 150 300 Video recorder hire 3 100 300 Vehicle hire 1 for 2 weeks 50 700 Consultancy Services - - 200 Typing and printing services 40 pages/ 2 copies 2 per page 160 Other - - 200 Total 1960 Appendix 4: Letter to the hospital director 15th, January, 2014 To the Chief Director, Jeddah National Hospital, Makarona Street, Saudi Arabia, Dear Sir, RE: REQUEST TO CONDUCT RESEACH IN THE INSTITUTION I write to you in regard to a research that I intend to undertake in a month’s time. I am medical student who is expected to complete my project prior to my graduation later in the year. As such, I have chosen this institution as one of the few research sites that I would like to visit in order to comprehensively complete my project . Sir, this is the only institution that has multiple specialty and the highest numbers of health professionals who I believe will play a huge role in my research. As a matter of fact, I intend to find out ‘how knowledge and attitude of health professionals is related towards the use of technology’. In this regard, I request you to allow me access to the institution for the given period of time to work out on the issue. Please feel free to contact me further on 1003507@yahoo.uk. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Appendix 5: Consent Form Study Title A study on the impact of knowledge and attitude of f health professionals towards technology You are invited to participate in this research project. You are advised to first understand the content of the research. Therefore, you are encouraged to read the following information and as anything that needs clarification. After you understand everything, you may decide whether you want to participate in the study or not. Purpose of the study This study aims at making findings on the knowledge and attitudes of health professionals have been requested by most of the health sectors stakeholders. Why participant was chosen You have been chosen to participate in the study because you stand at a better position because you have an in-depth understanding of the area under investigation. A total of 20 health practitioners will be taking part in the study. Taking part in the study You are not compelled to participate in the study. You have a right to decide on whether you want to participate or not. Your decision will not have any consequences. Confidentiality Information obtained from participants will be kept confidential. Read More