The Perception of Health Professionals in Bangladesh toward the Digitalization of the Health Sector

Md Shakhawat Hossain (), M. M. Mahbubul Syeed, Kaniz Fatema and Mohammad Faisal Uddin
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Md Shakhawat Hossain: Department of CS, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
M. M. Mahbubul Syeed: RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
Kaniz Fatema: RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
Mohammad Faisal Uddin: RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-22

Abstract: Bangladesh is undertaking a major transformation towards digitalization in every sector, and healthcare is no exception. Digitalization of the health sector is expected to improve healthcare services while reducing human effort and ensuring the satisfaction of patients and health professionals. However, for practical and successful digitalization, it is necessary to understand the perceptions of health professionals. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in Bangladesh to investigate health professionals’ perceptions in relation to various socio–demographic variables such as age, gender, location, profession and institution. We also evaluated their competencies, as digital health-related competencies are required for digitalization. Additionally, we identified major digitalization challenges. Quantitative survey data were analyzed with Python Pandas, and qualitative data were classified using Valence-Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner (VADER). This study found significant relationships between age χ 2 ( 12 , N = 701 ) = 82.02 , p < 0.001 ; location χ 2 ( 4 , N = 701 ) = 18.78 , p < 0.001 ; and profession χ 2 ( 16 , N = 701 ) = 71.02 , p < 0.001 ; with technical competency. These variables also have similar influences on psychological competency. According to VADER, 88.1% (583/701) of respondents have a positive outlook toward digitalization. The internal consistency of the survey was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha score (0.746). This study assisted in developing a better understanding of how professionals perceive digitalization, categorizes professionals based on competency, and prioritizes the major digitalization challenges.

Keywords: digitalization of healthcare; perceptions; medical education; survey of professionals; medical professionals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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