Patients’ attitude towards mobile device use by healthcare providers during service delivery and its associated factors at outpatient departments of University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mobile computing system penetration has significantly influenced many areas, including medicine. Evidence indicated that health professionals’ use of mobile devices exponentially increased in health facilities. There are some concerns regarding mobile device use at point of care. Assessing patients’ attitude towards mobile device use by providers during service delivery is vital. However, as to our search of literature, there is limited evidence on it. Objective: To assess patients’ attitude towards mobile device use by health care providers during service delivery and associated factors at outpatient department in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study supplemented with qualitative study was conducted from May 17 to Jun 11, 2021, at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Structured interview administered questionnaires and Kobo toolbox data collection tool was used for data collection and exported to Stata version 16 statistical software for data management and analysis. Chi-square assumptions, for variables with p-values <0.2 in bi-variable binary logistic regression were considered to multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association. Model fitness was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Open-ended questions were prepared and analyzed using thematic analysis method to qualitative part. Result: Patients’ favorable attitude towards mobile device use by providers was 52.67% (95% CI; 47.82%-57.47%). Statistical significant variables were age <30 years (AOR=4.104, 95% CI; 1.602-10.516) and between 31-40 years (AOR=3.092, 95% CI; 1.280-7.470), computer training (AOR=2.569, 95% CI; 1.168-5.648), awareness mHealth app (AOR=2.506, 95% CI; 1.207-5.203), feeling (AOD=1.835, 95% CI; 1.091-3.088), confidentiality (AOR=1.885, 95% CI; 1.153-3.081), trusts (AOR=2.182, 95% CI; 1.285-3.704), and competency (AOR=0.505, 95% CI; 0.302-0.842). Conclusion and recommendation: This study shows that more than half of respondents were favorable to the use of mobile devices by health professionals during care. Along with statistically significant predictors to patients’ attitude, this finding informs program personals in designing mHealth application utilization in healthcare settings. Future studies should validate the present findings in other care areas and across other contexts. Keywords: Patient, attitude, mobile device