Knowledge, Acceptance and Challenges in the Use of Picture Archiving and Communication System Among Health Care Workers in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State

ABSTRACT The availability of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) has revolutionized the practice of radiology in the past two decades and has shown to eventually increase productivity in radiology and medicine. Clear understanding/insight into the levels of knowledge and acceptance as well as the challenges associated with the use of picture archiving and communication systems is important for mass adoption of this technological innovation. The aim of the study is to assess the level of knowledge, acceptance and challenges in the use of PACS among the health care workers in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. Nigeria. The level of knowledge, acceptance and challenges in the use of PACS was evaluated among a total of two hundred healthcare workers in DELSUTH from various profession such as doctors, nurses, radiographers were evaluated. The data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Software for Social Science (SPSS) v 26 (IBM, New York, USA). There was a high level of knowledge (89.5%, n=179) and usage (71%, n=142) of PACS despite formal training being received by only 55% (n=110) of respondents. High level of acceptance was noted, with PACS perceived to aid clinical decisions (80.5%, n=161), improve patient outcomes (85.5%, n=171), and be superior to traditional methods (75%, n=150). Challenges observed include varying computer skills (26.5%, n=53; highly skilled), network issues affecting usage (57%, n=114), and shortages of equipment like monitors (64.5%, n=129). All categories of healthcare workers in DELSUTH showed a high level of knowledge as well as acceptance of PACS. However, there is lack of adequate equipment especially monitors. Keywords:Acceptance, Challenges, Knowledge, Picture Archiving and Communication System