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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore ways on leveraging information technology (I.T) and digital technology during the pandemic. Three research questions were raised to guide the study which was answered in this study.
A descriptive survey research design was used in this study. The population of this study comprised of healthcare staff in both public and private healthcare facilities in Benin City, Edo State. A sample size of 246 health staff was however sampled across public and private healthcare centres in Benin City. Simple random sampling technique, a form of Probability sampling technique was employed to select respondents for this study. A self-structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection which was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts. Cronbach Alpha reliability technique was used to ascertain the reliability of the research instrument which yielded a reliability score of 0.78. Data collected was analysed using frequency, percentages and means.
Results of the study revealed that majority (67.3%) of the respondents are knowledgeable in leveraging information technology (I.T) and digital technology during pandemics. The usage patterns of information technology (I.T) and digital technology solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic centers around five (5) information technology (I.T) and digital technologies and these include; video-conferencing services like Zoom, Social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter, Whataspp, SMS messages, and Mobile applications. Based on the findings, it was recommended that efforts by the government in leveraging information technology (I.T) and digital technology should focus on digital inclusion policies as well as on strengthening the policy and technical capabilities of public institutions like the healthcare sector. Also, there should be professional development training programs in information technology (I.T) and digital technologies for healthcare personnel and the general public so as to enhance successful leveraging of same in time of pandemics.
