Use of information and communication technology and retention of health workers in rural post-war conflict Northern Uganda: findings from a qualitative study
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC medical informatics and decision making
Abstract
Information and communication technologies have become a vital infrastructural asset for use in the
retention of rural health workers. However, little is known about the potential influence of ICT use, perceptions of
health workers on ICT in healthcare delivery, and contribution of ICT to health care providers’ retention in rural and
remote areas in rural post-war and conflict situations of northern Uganda.
Methods: Data from interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed.
Results: Participants generally exhibited low confidence, knowledge and low ICT skills. Majority of participants,
however, perceived ICT as beneficial in relation to job performance and health care provider retention in rural areas.
Common barriers for the implementation and use of ICT in health centres were inadequate ICT knowledge and
skills, poor Internet networks, inadequate computers, inadequate power supply, lack of Internet Modems and
expensive access to outside computer centres.
Conclusions: This qualitative study showed low confidence, poor knowledge and skills in ICT usage but positive
perceptions about the benefits and contributions of ICT. These findings suggest the need for specific investment in
ICT infrastructural development for health care providers in remote rural areas of northern Uganda.
Description
Keywords
ICT usage, Health workers retention, Rural health centres, Post-war conflict, Northern Uganda
Citation
Yagos, W. O., Tabo Olok, G., & Ovuga, E. (2017). Use of information and communication technology and retention of health workers in rural post-war conflict Northern Uganda: findings from a qualitative study. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 17(1), 1-8. DOI 10.1186/s12911-016-0403-3