Nursing Staff Practices Towards Computerization and Computer Use in a Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi Kenya

The use and dependence on information technology have recently become increasingly widespread in healthcare and nursing care delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess practices among nursing staff in relation to computerisation and computer use in a tertiary referral hospital. This was a cross-sectional study comprising qualified nurses from all departments. A sample size of 291(100%) nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires. Data were analysed using a statistical package for social sciences software version 22. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of the respondent’s age were in the category 40-49 years 112(38.5%); senior nursing officers were 132(45.4%); majority participants used computers for ordering supplies 160(55%), nursing notes 41(14.1%), billing 64(22%) and communication 26(8.9%). Two hundred and fifty-nine (89%) had the ability to type using the computer keyboard, while 32(11%) had difficulties. Use of a computer mouse, typing on the keyboard, use of a word processor, having an email, ability to prepare power-point presentations, and formal training were statistically significant (p-value <0.0001). Regarding communication, 50(17.2%) used electronic mails while 241(82.8%) did not. Evidently, nurses’ practices on computerisation and computer use have an important bearing on the uptake and utilisation of computer systems in the workplace