Assessment of ICT-Based Innovations in Primary Healthcare Delivery in Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigated the recently adopted ICT-based innovations in the primary healthcare sector and also examined the extent of use of adopted ICT-based innovations in primary healthcare delivery in Southwestern Nigeria. This study covered thirty (30) primary healthcare centres selected from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States across Southwestern Nigeria using multistage sampling technique. Primary data were collected using 2 sets of questionnaire administered on 30 heads of healthcare centres and 180 health workers as well as interviews. The study revealed that Computer, phone and tracker, Digital weight scale, Centrifuge and Nebulizer machine, Blood pressure apparatus, Digital thermometer, Solar refrigerator, oxygen concentrator, Microscope, Contraceptives and DBS Fax result printer were introduced and adopted for use. The study further showed that staff training was rated high among the factors that led to the adoption of ICT-based innovations in the Primary Healthcare Centres. Four strategies (Parallel, pilot, phased and plunge strategies) were used for the implementation of the adopted ICT-based innovations in the primary healthcare centres. Analysis showed that academic and professional qualifications were statistically significant (p<0.5) factors that influence the decision of the healthcare professionals to continue to use the adopted ICT-based innovation. The study concludes that the training healthcare professionals undergo introduce them to different ICT-based innovation which when used will further enhance healthcare delivery in Southwestern Nigeria.