Health workers’ perception of digital technology use to improve mental health services

Abstract

Background: Integrating digital technologies into mental healthcare offers a transformative shift in the provision of online-based mental health services to Nigerians. This is crucial for Nigeria in order to minimise and curb the developing health emergency because of COVID-19. Aim: This study seeks to explore the perception of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards the use of digital technologies in improving mental services in Nigeria. Setting: This study was carried out in four neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Methods: Mixed-method convergent design was used. Purpose sampling utilising snowball method was utilised in selecting qualitative participants, while proportional stratified sampling method was adopted for quantitative participants. Quantitative data collection tools were administered to 317 participants at the selected neuropsychiatric hospitals while interview was conducted on 16 qualitative participants. Thematic analysis was employed on qualitative data and descriptive statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation, frequencies, percentages, crosstabs, Chi-square) was conducted on quantitative data. Results: Findings showed that 58% of psychiatric nurses, 17% of clinical psychologists, 16% of psychiatrists and 6% of occupational therapists view digital technologies as effective in combination with face-to-face therapy. Additionally, qualitative findings showed that HCWs view digital tools as helpful tools for both patients and HCWs and offer the opportunity to immensely advance mental services. Conclusion: Incorporating digital technologies into mental health service delivery enhances mental health services, increases prompt access to healthcare and reduces the effect and impact of any future health emergencies. Contribution: This study raised awareness on the need to improve mental health services in public mental health facilities and advocate for the integration of digital technologies to improve mental health service delivery.

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