KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AMONG NURSES IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ELELE, RIVERS STATE.

This study explored the knowledge and utilization of information technology among nurses in Madonna University Teaching Hospital Elele Rivers State. A descriptive research design was used. The study aimed specifically to assess the knowledge of information technology, the utilization of information technology, the factors that inhibit utilization of information technology and the factors that will enhance the utilization of information technology among nurses in Madonna University Teaching Hospital Elele Rivers State. The research questions were in line with the research objectives. The target population was 71. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 60 nurses as the sample size. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. a good percentage (78%) of nurses have good knowledge of information technology, there is inadequate utilization of information technology among nurses as only 18% of the respondent always use information technology in patient care, 33% of the nurses sometimes use information technology when caring while majority of the nurses 49% never utilize information technology in patient care, the main factors that inhibits utilization of information technology were lack of technical support (100%), poor technological skills(65%) and high number of work load(50%), the factors that will enhance the utilization of information technology are periodic training(100%), reduced work load (78%) and managerial support for the use of IT (76%). In conclusion, there is need for the adoption and utilization of information technology in every hospital, the ministry of health must play an active role by conducting awareness programme, like seminars and workshops on the ICT use among nurses, also provision of the ICT materials.