The role of information technology in medical and patient education

Abstract EN

Patient education and awareness play an important role in the quality and effectiveness of health care outcome.

Information technology has a significant role in delivering and improving health care performance on individual, society, and organization.

However, medical staff has an important role in conducting and applying information technology in the health care organizations.

Aim.

The aim of this study is to assess medical staff attitude, knowledge, and skills toward applying information technology in patient education.

Methods.

This study was conducted in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh, KSA.

A total of 60 medical staff from different specialty responded to the study questionnaire.

Results.

Of the 100 questionnaires distributed, 60 were returned, giving 60 % response rate.

The result shows that more than 90 %, (n = 55) of respondents agreed to use PEIS in their unit, while 61 % (n = 37) were in need to take computer training to develop their skills and knowledge in using information technology.

More than 80 % rated themselves as “Good” or above in using hospital information system (HIS), while only 57 % rated the same level for general computer skills.

Lack of time and language were among the biggest barriers in conducting patient education.

Conclusion.

In conclusion medical staff had a very positive attitude towards applying patient education information system.

However, the language barrier and lack of time were considered as the biggest barriers for conducting patient education.

Accordingly the results showed that there is a significant need for computer training.