O-79 Digitalisation and Healthcare: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers and patients at public Hospitals in Trinidad
Author(s):
A Mahabir, Z Freeman, M Budhooram, L Edwards, C Lue Chin, J Worrel , G Davies Thoppil, HM Morris, L Francis, S Pooransingh
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding digitalisation of the healthcare sector
among patients and healthcare professionals at two Health
Authorities in Trinidad.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients and healthcare professionals was conducted at the medical, surgical and paediatric outpatient clinics at the North-West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) and the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA). Interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed to ascertain participants’ KAP on digital technology.
Results: Of 330 responders, 66.4% had a positive attitude toward digitalisation and felt they could easily adapt to technology. Younger patients were more comfortable with technology than older ones (p<0.001), and responders from North Trinidad had higher knowledge than those from the South (p= 0.03). Over 30% reported they would need 1 to 3 months to gain confidence in using new technologies, with free online training preferred to face-to-face sessions at a health care facility.
Conclusion: The study highlights a digital knowledge divide by geography and age. Participants believe digitalisation can improve healthcare efficiency and outcomes. The government should address this divide by improving internet access in rural areas and offering free digital health training to support the implementation of digitalisation in the healthcare setting which would facilitate universal health coverage.