Healthcare Workers' Perceptions of The Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Data Management at Tertiary Hospitals in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Healthcare data management in many Nigerian tertiary hospitals continues to rely heavily on paper-based systems and disconnected electronic platforms, resulting in misplaced records, delayed healthcare services, and weak health planning. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising innovation for strengthening health information systems, its practical implementation in resource-limited settings such as Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, remains extremely limited. This study examined healthcare workers’ perceptions of the potential role of AI in improving data management and evaluated the readiness of tertiary hospitals in Yenagoa for its possible introduction. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey involving 120 healthcare professionals and health information management staff, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with five heads of information technology units across three tertiary hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the survey findings, while thematic analysis was employed to analyse the interview transcripts. The findings showed that major data management problems included missing patient folders, duplicate records, and excessive time spent retrieving files. Although awareness of AI was moderate, actual use of AI technologies was absent. Respondents identified automated data capture, duplicate record resolution, and intelligent scheduling as the most valuable potential contributions of AI. Major barriers included unstable electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, inadequate technical expertise, and high implementation costs. The study concludes that although healthcare workers perceive AI as potentially beneficial, significant infrastructural and human capacity limitations place the hospitals at a low-readiness stage. The study recommends that hospital administrators prioritise investment in basic digital infrastructure, staff training, and stable power supply before introducing AI-driven systems.