Willingness and readiness to use digital technologies in midwifery practice among midwives at tertiary health facilities in Uganda. A qualitative and phenomenological Study.

Training and Education

Authors

  • Marion Asaba Department of Midwifery, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research- University of Portharcourt- Nigeria.
  • Omolara Tella Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.
  • Ijeoma Ihekwaba Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.
  • Adedayo Omolara Tella Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i12.255

Keywords:

Willingness, readiness, digital technology, midwives, Uganda

Abstract

Background: 

Digital technologies being used to promote maternal health and support service providers have increased dramatically during the last 20 years. The internet, mobile technologies such as mobile software programs or apps, wearables, Texting, social networking, telecare, and remote monitoring equipment are all examples of digital forms of support. Digital technologies for health have emerged as a prominent field of practice for utilizing both standard and novel kinds of applications of information and communication technology to solve upcoming health complications, particularly in the field of midwifery. The study objective was to explore the willingness and readiness to use digital technologies in midwifery practice among midwives at tertiary health facilities in the Buikwe district in Uganda. 

Methodology:

Using the qualitative and phenomenological design, a purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 interviewees from Kawolo and St. Charles Lwanga Hospitals. Data collection was by use of an interview guide, and data analysis involved Thematic content analysis. The results showed nearly all of the midwives were ready to use digital technology. 

Results:

Altogether, six thematic areas emerged as considerations when getting ready to use digital technologies: improved patient care, communication, training and education, information sharing, age, and attitudes toward digital technology. The drawbacks included; high costs of devices and data, attitude, and unavailability of digital technologies. 

Conclusion:

Majority of the midwives are willing and ready to use digital technologies. Therefore, they need to be encouraged and facilitated accordingly since technology integration into midwifery practice can improve the overall health of mothers and their babies.

Recommendations:

This study recommends that; The government should provide more digital technologies in hospitals, subsidize mobile data costs and the market price of smartphones, Internet access is promised in major departments, and free internet access for research purposes will be provided.

Author Biographies

Marion Asaba , Department of Midwifery, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research- University of Portharcourt- Nigeria.

Asaba Marion is a Nurse-Midwife and a Health Tutor professional. Currently, I am working as a Tutor at the St. Francis school of health sciences in Mukono. The first training was Bachelor in nursing (BScN) and attained the certificate from Kampala International University, Uganda. Registered with UNMC as a Registered Nurse, practiced in Hospitals, and later joined teaching. I also have postgraduate training in Medical Education from Clarke International University and registered with the Ministry of education as a health tutor. Furthermore, am also in the final stages of attaining a degree of master's in midwifery and child health nursing from the African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research-University of Portharcourt, Nigeria.

Omolara Tella, Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.

Dr. Omolara  is a lecturer at the Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, East /West Road, PMB5323 Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

Ijeoma Ihekwaba , Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.

Dr. Ijeoma is a lecturer at the Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, East /West Road, PMB5323 Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. 

Adedayo Omolara Tella, Department of Midwifery, University of Port Harcourt, African Center for Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research.

 is a Public Health Physician and a lecturer at the African Centre for Excellence in Public Health and toxicological Research- Nigeria.

 

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Published

2022-12-30

How to Cite

Asaba , M., Omolara Tella, Ijeoma Ihekwaba, & Adedayo Omolara Tella. (2022). Willingness and readiness to use digital technologies in midwifery practice among midwives at tertiary health facilities in Uganda. A qualitative and phenomenological Study. : Training and Education . Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 3(12), 15. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i12.255

Issue

Section

Section of Health Services Research