Knowledge and utilisation of information and communication technology among radiographers in a lower-middle-income country

B S Weerakoon; N R Chandrasiri

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2022.11.013

Knowledge and utilisation of information and communication technology among radiographers in a lower-middle-income country

Radiography (Lond). 2023 Jan;29(1):227-233. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.11.013. Epub 2022 Dec 16.

Authors

B S Weerakoon¹, N R Chandrasiri²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiography/ Radiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka. Electronic address: bsw888@ahs.pdn.ac.lk.
² Department of Radiography/ Radiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.

PMID: 36608376
DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.11.013

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the current ICT-related experience is essential for planning and effectively implementing quality healthcare services. Hence, this study aims to assess the knowledge and utilisation of ICT among radiographers in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 590 practicing radiographers in Sri Lanka. Data was collected through a postal survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, existing knowledge of ICT, and utilisation of ICT applications and facilities.

Results: A total of 416 radiographers returned the questionnaire giving a response rate of 70.5%. Considering the overall ICT knowledge, 24.0% of the respondents possessed good knowledge, while 54.3% and 21.6% reported having fair and poor knowledge, respectively. The knowledge of ICT was significantly associated with gender, age, level of education, duration of service, and previous ICT training experience (p < 0.05). Digital radiography and electronic patient record (EPR) systems were used by 8% and 17.8% of respondents, respectively. Inadequate ICT facilities (56.7%) were identified as the most significant challenge for radiographers to use ICT.

Conclusions: The majority of the respondents in this study had a fair knowledge of ICT, and this knowledge was significantly associated with certain demographic factors. Further, it was found that access to certain ICT applications, such as digital radiography and EPR systems, is limited. Hence, this study highlighted the importance of providing systematic, comprehensive and regular ICT training programmes and improving access to ICT facilities for radiographers.

Implications of practice: The study provides insight into the significance of improving ICT literacy among radiographers in the field. In addition, the findings may draw policymakers' attention to improving radiographers' access to the latest technologies.

Keywords: Information and communication technology; Knowledge; Practice; Radiographers.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Allied Health Personnel* / psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Information Technology* / statistics & numerical data
Knowledge*
Radiography
Sri Lanka
Surveys and Questionnaires