Healthcare staff digital literacy levels and their attitudes towards information systems

Abstract

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.