Perception and Experience of Health Workers on Mobile Health at Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Anyigba, Kogi State

Abstract

Background: Mobile health is an essential tool for an efficient and quality health care services, with potential to increase access for the clients and improved knowledge and skills for the health workers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of health workers on mobile health at PAAUTH Anyigba, Kogi State. An explorative qualitative design using an in-depth interview was used.

Materials and Methods: The target population constituted all the health workers working at Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State. Required number of participants were selected for the study until the data reach saturation level. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using the thematic content analysis.

Results: The findings indicated that a significant number of participants appreciated the opportunity provided by mobile health (mHealth) to access health-related information at any time and from any location. But, they are concerned about the lost of very useful information when the device developed problem. The participants also asserted that use of mHealth will significantly improve the patient’s outcome as it also improve significantly the knowledge and skills of health care workers. Unstable power supply in the country has been opined by many participants as the greatest barrier to use of mobile health.

Conclusion/Recommendations: It was recommended that health care facilities should make use of the solar energy alternative to promote the use of mobile health for efficient health care services.