Healthcare staff digital literacy levels and their attitudes towards information systems

• Published in: Health informatics journal Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 592 - 612
• Main Authors: Kuek, Angeline, Hakkennes, Sharon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.03.2020; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attitudes; Digital literacy; Electronic health records; Information systems; Medical personnel; healthcare professional training; electronic health records; information systems; digital literacy; healthcare staff; attitudes
• ISSN: 1460-4582; 1741-2811
• DOI: 10.1177/1460458219839613

This study aimed to assess the digital literacy levels and attitudes towards information systems of staff in a health service that will be implementing an electronic health record so that barriers towards implementation could be addressed. A survey measuring staff confidence levels and their attitudes towards information systems was developed. Data were collected over a five-week period, with data analysed using frequency analysis and a chi-square analysis. There were 407 respondents to the survey. The majority (70-80%) of which reported high digital literacy levels, expressing confidence in using technology. Respondents also reported positive attitudes towards information systems. However, one-fifth reported anxiety using information systems. Given poor staff engagement with information systems adversely affects the safety and quality of patient care, health services should provide targeted education and training to address staff with low digital literacy levels and/or confidence with using information systems prior to implementation of an electronic health record system.