UTILIZATION OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY FOR KNOWLEDGE UPDATE AMONG NURSES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY HEALTHCARE SETTINGS IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Since the introduction of mobile technologies in the early 1990s, it has become a valuable and important tool to be incorporated into various medical related fields used by multiple discipline. This study is to assess the utilization of mobile technology for knowledge update among nurses in primary and secondary healthcare settings in Benin Metropolis. The objectives of this study are to; examine the extent to which nurses are knowledgeable about the use of mobile technology for knowledge update, determine the level of utilization of mobile technology among nurses and identify factors influencing the use of mobile technology among nurses. This study adopted a descriptive survey design, and sample size of 146 nurses were selected for the research, and a well-structured questionnaire was used in collection of data. Findings from the study showed that over 90% of the respondents have their level of knowledge on the use of mobile technology for knowledge update as average or better, which indicated that nurses in Edo State are knowledgeable about use of mobile technology for knowledge update. For the level of utilization, result showed that 100% respondents indicated the use of mobile phone, 72.3% said they use laptop. The usage level of laptop was highest among the male nurses (78.6%). For factors influencing the use, 31.1% stated that lack of appropriate mobile technology sometimes restricts their use of mobile technology. 38.5% opined that too long logging time restrict their use of mobile technology and 31.8% said unreliable connection to the network restrict their use of mobile technology. With high adoption of mobile phone and laptops as demonstrated in this study, distance learning programme in nursing can be promoted through the adoption of these technologies in nursing education. A recommendation for the nursing and midwifery council of Nigeria to adopt the use of mobile technology in its MCPDP for nurses was made.

KEYWORDS: Nurses, Mobile technology, Healthcare and Utilization