scholarly journals Computer skills of health workers in rural Ghana and their use of social media: Implications for increased use of information technology in service delivery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kesewaa Ofori ◽  
Emmanuel Akowuah ◽  
Doyinsola Babatunde ◽  
Logan Cowan ◽  
Frank Baiden
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Computer Skills ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Basic Computer Skills

Background: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have improved the delivery of healthcare worldwide especially in disease control, patient management, and health data analysis. However, access to infrastructure like computers and knowledge of ICT is a major problem to various digital health initiatives among health professionals. Objective: The aim of the present study was, to assess healthcare workers' basic computer skills and use of social media and identify specific deficiencies that require training to help them function effectively. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 51 healthcare workers in seven health centers in a region in Ghana over three months using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. Results: Half of the participants had adequate basic computer skills, of which 60.87% were women (P=0.0205). Only 15.69%, who were all males, of participants used computer software at least once a month. Most participants also used Facebook and WhatsApp. Conclusion: Health professionals in the health centers need to be trained on basic computer skills and, information technology should be incorporated into the health systems for efficient health delivery.

scholarly journals Preserving professional identities, behaviors, and values in digital professionalism using social networking sites; a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaista Salman Guraya ◽  
Salman Yousuf Guraya ◽  
Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Professional Identities ◽  
Professional Behaviors ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Abstract Background Despite a rapid rise of use of social media in medical disciplines, uncertainty prevails among healthcare professionals for providing medical content on social media. There are also growing concerns about unprofessional behaviors and blurring of professional identities that are undermining digital professionalism. This review tapped the literature to determine the impact of social media on medical professionalism and how can professional identities and values be maintained in digital era. Methods We searched the databases of PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and EBSCO host using (professionalism AND (professionalism OR (professional identity) OR (professional behaviors) OR (professional values) OR (professional ethics))) AND ((social media) AND ((social media) OR (social networking sites) OR Twitter OR Facebook)) AND (health professionals). The research questions were based on sample (health professionals), phenomenon of interest (digital professionalism), design, evaluation and research type. We screened initial yield of titles using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected a group of articles for qualitative analysis. We used the Biblioshiny® software package for the generation of popular concepts as clustered keywords. Results Our search yielded 44 articles with four leading themes; marked rise in the use of social media by healthcare professionals and students, negative impact of social media on digital professionalism, blurring of medical professional values, behaviors, and identity in the digital era, and limited evidence for teaching and assessing digital professionalism. A high occurrence of violation of patient privacy, professional integrity and cyberbullying were identified. Our search revealed a paucity of existing guidelines and policies for digital professionalism that can safeguard healthcare professionals, students and patients. Conclusions Our systematic review reports a significant rise of unprofessional behaviors in social media among healthcare professionals. We could not identify the desired professional behaviors and values essential for digital identity formation. The boundaries between personal and professional practices are mystified in digital professionalism. These findings call for potential educational ramifications to resurrect professional virtues, behaviors and identities of healthcare professionals and students.

Polish Firms' Innovation Capability for Competitiveness via Information Technologies and Social Media Implementation

2017 ◽  
pp. 191-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Androniki Kavoura ◽  
Leszek Koziol
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
It Capabilities ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Effective Use

This chapter examines the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as innovative tools and the use of Social Media (SM) by Polish medium and small sized companies. The chapter aims to present the scope and importance of the use of Information Technology (IT) and SM in the process of companies' functioning and management. Presentation of the results of empirical research is another important aim. Companies' assessment of IT tools and SM's effective use as a prerequisite to improve the company performance is also examined. This is an exploratory study based on a sample of 166 southern Polish firms and it adds to the scant literature on firms' internal IT capabilities to support SM. The paper makes a theoretical and practical contribution in that it brings forth the emerging theme of IT resources that small and medium-sized enterprises adapt to their processes. It further examines the SM use from these firms based on the IT technology they implement as a whole. Managerial implications for marketers are provided since findings illustrate the tendency from small and medium-sized Polish companies not to implement ICTs and SM to a full extent and they could further incorporate SM in the firms' advertising and communication campaigns. Limitations and further research are discussed.

scholarly journals The Social Media Usage and its Impact on the Innovative Behavior: The Mediator Role of Information Technology: A Field Study in the Information and Communication Technology Organizations in Jordan

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Khalid Mahmmod Ahmad Mansour ◽  
Fayez Jomah Saleh Al-Najjar
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Innovative Behavior ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
The Social ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Use Of Social Media

This study aimed to shed the light on the role of Social Media usage in the innovative behavior through the recent information technology (IT) in the organizations specialized in the information and communication technology (ICT) field. The study population consisted of the ICT organizations operating in Jordan as affiliated with the Information and Communication Technology Association (INTAJ) amounting to 161 organization. The analysis unit consisted of the managers in the top and middle level. The study relied on the simple random sample; and it reached a number of conclusions the most important of which is that the perceptions by respondents of the independent variable Social Media Usage were medium; and the same applies to all its dimensions. The dependent variable Innovative Behavior was also medium, as well as all its dimensions. As for the mediator variable IT, the respondents' perceptions were high, along with all its dimensions. The study indicated that there is a statistically significant impact for the Social Media usage with its component on the innovative behavior. Also, it was found that a statistically significant impact for the Social Media usage with its component on the innovative behavior through the IT in the organizations operating in the ICT field in Jordan. These conclusions indicated that there is an opportunity for the ICT organizations to promote its innovative behavior through the Social Media usage. Based on the reached conclusions, the study concluded a set of recommendations the most important of which is that the awareness should be increased with respect to the capacities that are available due to the use of the Social Media as well as the advantages that can be utilized by the ICT organizations in Jordan through this use; the organization should well utilize the Social Media usage especially the Groups and Sharing by taking the necessary decision that lead to the activation of the Social Media role in the various phases of the innovative behavior; and the need for the organizations to direct the use of Social Media through the dissemination of a culture of innovation based on the use of Social Media.

Exploring the use of social media sites for health professionals' engagement and productivity in public sector hospitals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Naeem ◽  
Wilson Ozuem
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Forces ◽  
Use Of Social Media

PurposeCompetitive pressure and social influence for technology adoption have increased among developed, developing and emerging countries. The influence of social structure, organizational forces and political forces varies between public sector hospitals in countries where there are more social media restrictions. This study aims to explore how the use of social media can influence employee engagement and productivity in the workplaces of public sector hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows a social constructivist approach to understand employee attitudes, motivation culture, political forces and the local context. Data were collected from health professionals of five public sector hospitals using a non-directive and semi-structured interview method.FindingsThe results show that the use of social media sites has increased collaboration, coordination and cooperation among health professionals, especially in critical situations. They are more socialized, connected and engaged, thus helping them to exchange useful knowledge using instant messaging apps. Conversely, there are no organizational polices and specific laws and too little support from management and senior doctors to drive the use of social networking sites in public hospitals. The use of social media has enhanced health professionals' engagement and productivity as they are able to share their expertise, knowledge and information with their colleagues and subordinates.Research limitations/implicationsThe results can guide policy-makers, researchers, hospitals, doctors and the Ministry of Health about the positive use of social networking sites in the workplace. The positive use of social networking sites in the workplace can enhance information, knowledge and coordination which may help to enhance employee engagement and productivity.Originality/valueThe present study has provided a social media health organization workplace (SMHOW) model which explains how individual and organizational contexts can influence the actual use of social media in healthcare organizations.

scholarly journals Indigenous Movements, Collective Action, and Social Media: New Opportunities or New Threats?

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 205630512092648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Lupien
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Collective Action ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Collective Identity ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Indigenous Movements ◽  
Indigenous Organizations ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Indigenous peoples remain among the most marginalized population groups in the Americas. The decline of the Indigenous protest cycle in Latin America by the mid-2000s meant that research on collective action turned elsewhere just as the use of social media was becoming more prominent in the tactical repertoire of collective action, and we know little about how Indigenous groups have adapted new technologies for the purpose of civic engagement. If social media has begun to take the place of disruptive action (the most effective tactics in the 1990s according to Indigenous leaders), if personalized action is replacing collective identity (a strength of the Indigenous movements in the 1980s–1990s) and if their access to technology is limited, what does this mean for the ability of Indigenous communities to pursue their claims? Based on 2 years of fieldwork, this article addresses this question from the perspective of Indigenous organizations in three Latin American countries, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. We find that some Indigenous organizations have benefited from the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in terms of enhanced communication, access to information, visibility, interest promotion, and commercialization of products and services. At this point in time, however, it appears that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.

Twitter-Based Knowledge Sharing in Professional Networks

2012 ◽  
pp. 241-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Paz Dennen ◽  
Wenting Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Two Populations

Social media provides professional organizations with a new means of distributing information and perhaps even facilitating learning among their members. This study compares Twitter use in two populations, academics and corporate professionals, and in two interaction contexts, conference and non-conference, looking at how knowledge is shared by organizations. Organizations in three fields—nursing, information technology, and educational technology—were included in the study. A content analysis showed that both types of organizations focused more on supplying original content than providing links or retweets. Conferences generated the greatest activity levels and industry organizations were more savvy with Twitter use, although on the whole hashtags were underutilized and much room remains to maximize use of social media. Nonetheless, a wealth of knowledge sharing that can support information learning and professional development is taking place in these online networks.

Grassroots Organization and Justice Through Social Media

2021 ◽  
pp. 262-284
Author(s):  
Christina Navas ◽  
Vivian Tisi ◽  
Tamala Close
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Grassroots Organization ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Provide Background Information

This chapter will provide the reader with information on the importance of grassroots organization in addressing social justice issues for speech-language pathologists (SLP). The authors provide background information on the use of social media to promote social justice efforts. The chapter also identifies and discusses the development and implementation of two online platforms that have been effective in raising awareness about the importance of diversity, advocacy, and social justice issues in the field of speech-language pathology. It provides the reader with important information on the issues and problems in the field of SLP that led to the development of the two online platforms and the processes involved with developing them. Finally, the chapter concludes with a description of previous and current goals and outcomes, along with future endeavors of both platforms and recommendations for others who are interested in using social media as a tool to transform professional environments to facilitate justice within the discipline and society.

scholarly journals The use of social media among health professionals to facilitate chronic disease self-management with their patients: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205520761877141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gino De Angelis ◽  
George A Wells ◽  
Barbara Davies ◽  
Judy King ◽  
Shirin M Shallwani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Collaborative Project ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Objective The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence pertaining to the use of social media by health professionals to facilitate chronic disease self-management with their patients. Methods A systematic approach was used to retrieve and extract relevant data. A total of 5163 citations were identified, of which seven unique studies met criteria for inclusion; one was a randomized controlled trial, two were prospective cohort studies, and four were qualitative studies. The following social media platforms were evaluated: discussion forums (6 studies) and collaborative project (1 study). Results The available evidence suggests that health professionals perceived discussion forums and collaborative projects to be useful social media platforms to facilitate chronic disease self-management with patients. No relevant evidence was found regarding the use of other social media platforms. Most studies indicated positive findings regarding health professionals’ intention to use discussion forums, while the one study that used a collaborative project also indicated positive findings with its perceived ease of use as health professionals felt that it was useful to facilitate chronic disease self-management with patients. Mixed findings were seen in regards to health professionals’ perceived ease of use of discussion forums. The most common barrier to using social media platforms was the lack of time in health professionals’ schedules. Conclusions Discussion forums and collaborative projects appear to be promising resources for health professionals to assist their patients in self-managing their chronic conditions; however, further research comparing various social media platforms is needed.

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