Background of the Study
Health Information Technology (HIT) plays a crucial role in modern healthcare by improving patient care, streamlining clinical workflows, and enhancing communication among healthcare professionals (WHO, 2024). The effective use of HIT systems depends on the competency of nurses, who serve as frontline users of digital tools such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and clinical decision support systems (Afolabi & Hassan, 2023). However, the rapid integration of HIT into healthcare requires continuous training to ensure nurses can efficiently navigate and utilize these systems (Ogunyemi et al., 2024).
At General Hospital, Lafia, the adoption of HIT has been met with varying levels of acceptance and proficiency among nurses. Many nurses struggle with technical challenges, lack of familiarity with digital tools, and inadequate training, which may hinder effective healthcare delivery (Eze & Bello, 2023). Without proper training, HIT implementation may lead to documentation errors, workflow inefficiencies, and resistance from staff (Okafor & Usman, 2023).
Given the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, it is essential to evaluate the impact of HIT training on nurses’ competency at General Hospital, Lafia. This study aims to assess whether training programs improve nurses’ ability to use HIT systems effectively, ultimately enhancing patient care.
Statement of the Problem
The successful implementation of HIT in healthcare facilities depends on the competency of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who are primary users of these systems (WHO, 2024). Despite efforts to integrate HIT at General Hospital, Lafia, nurses’ ability to utilize these tools effectively remains inconsistent, leading to concerns about efficiency and patient safety (Musa & Ibrahim, 2023).
Lack of proper training has been identified as a key barrier to effective HIT utilization, resulting in increased documentation errors, reduced workflow efficiency, and frustration among nursing staff (Olawale et al., 2024). Additionally, resistance to technology due to fear of change or lack of technical skills further complicates HIT adoption (Eze & Yusuf, 2023).
This study seeks to examine the impact of HIT training on nurses’ competency at General Hospital, Lafia, providing insights into how training programs can be optimized to improve healthcare delivery.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of HIT training on nurses’ competency at General Hospital, Lafia.
2. To identify challenges associated with HIT adoption among nurses.
3. To recommend strategies for enhancing HIT training programs for nurses.
Research Questions
1. How does HIT training influence nurses’ competency in using digital healthcare systems?
2. What are the challenges faced by nurses in adopting HIT at General Hospital, Lafia?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve HIT training programs for nurses?
Research Hypotheses
1. HIT training significantly improves nurses’ competency in using digital healthcare systems.
2. Nurses who receive HIT training demonstrate fewer documentation errors and better patient care outcomes.
3. Lack of adequate training negatively affects nurses’ ability to utilize HIT effectively.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses at General Hospital, Lafia, assessing their competency before and after HIT training. It will not include other healthcare professionals or IT specialists. Limitations may include differences in nurses’ prior exposure to technology and variability in training effectiveness.
Definitions of Terms
• Health Information Technology (HIT): Digital tools used in healthcare for patient record management, decision support, and communication.
• Nurse Competency: The ability of nurses to perform tasks efficiently and accurately within their scope of practice.
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digital systems for storing and managing patient medical data.
• Training Programs: Structured educational sessions aimed at improving nurses’ knowledge and skills in HIT.
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