Electronic information sources access and use for healthcare services in governmental and non-governmental hospitals of western Oromia, Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Access to and use of electronic information sources for clinical decision is the key to the attainment of health related sustainable goals. Therefore, this study was to assess Electronic Information Sources (EIS) access and use for healthcare service among hospitals of Western Oromia, Ethiopia, 2013.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design with quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was employed. Study subjects were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Moreover, multiple logistic regression was fitted to identify independent predictors, and qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.
Results: A total of 590 health professionals were participated in the study with response rate of 95%. Forty-two percent of health professionals had used Electronic Information Sources (EIS). Out of them, more than half used to get latest health information. About three-fourth of health professionals had no formal training on how to use EIS. Moreover, there is a significant association between use of electronic information source and information literacy training, computer literacy level, access to internet connection and access to computers.
Conclusions: In this study, it was determined that more than half of health professionals in the study area were not using EIS. Information literacy training, self-stated computer literacy level, access to internet connection and access to computers with in hospitals were found to be statistically significant factors affecting use of EIS.

Keywords: Electronic Information Source, Electronic Information Source use, Health Professionals,Healthcare services