Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer, Health Information Technology, School of Paramedics, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

2 Library and Information Science, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Medical Informatics, School of Paramedics, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, without utilization of information technology, it is impossible to have effective access to required information. Inappropriate use of new technology for professional knowledge transmission leads to inadequacy of technology as well as cost wasting. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance general understandings about information technology (IT) abilities and also End-User Needs. This article reviewed the usage of IT by residents of Urmia university hospitals, Iran during 2012. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using Tamjid-Rezaie developed questionnaire. The questionnaire validated by expert’s direct interview and also verified by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (82). Data were collected by sampling method among 157 members of a target group. Results: Following items have been found to be used as “many” and “too many”: Personal digital assistant (88.9%), e-mail (54%), pod cast (34.2%), alert (27.8%), RSS (15.1%), SMS (15.1%), Athens (11.9%), weblog (11.9%), and chat (3.2%). Conclusion: Following improvements were strongly recommend in order to establish reasonable usage of IT advantages: good education of residents to empower them about information acquisition from electronic sources, preparation of user friendly hard copy manuals, employment of IT experts in health research centers, practical representation of IT advantages via correct utilization of IT-health related sources. Keywords: Information Technology; Hospitals; Urmia University of Medical Sciences; Residents