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

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  • Md Shakhawat Hossain

    (Department of CS, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
    RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • M. M. Mahbubul Syeed

    (RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
    Department of CSE, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • Kaniz Fatema

    (RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
    Department of CSE, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • Mohammad Faisal Uddin

    (RIoT Research Center, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
    Department of CSE, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Shakhawat Hossain & M. M. Mahbubul Syeed & Kaniz Fatema & Mohammad Faisal Uddin, 2022. "The Perception of Health Professionals in Bangladesh toward the Digitalization of the Health Sector," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13695-:d:949654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Wernhart & Susanne Gahbauer & Daniela Haluza, 2019. "eHealth and telemedicine: Practices and beliefs among healthcare professionals and medical students at a medical university," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(2), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Heiko Sorg & Jan P. Ehlers & Christian G. G. Sorg, 2022. "Digitalization in Medicine: Are German Medical Students Well Prepared for the Future?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-15, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Angelo R. Santos, 2024. "The Role of Digital Marketing in Shaping Students’ Attitudes towards Health Care Professions," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 14(3), pages 26-33, May.

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