Cited by 70Electronic Health Records SystemsTechnology and Human Factors in Education and HealthTelemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Utilization, challenges, and training needs of digital health technologies: Perspectives from healthcare professionals

Open access
Khan, Ruby, Khan, Sumbal, Almohaimeed, Hailah M., Almars, Amany I., Pari, Bakht·2025·International Journal of Medical Informatics

Abstract

Introduction: Digital health technology (DHTs), such as electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health apps, and remote monitoring systems, is revolutionizing contemporary healthcare by improving diagnosis, patient care, and operational efficiency. Notwithstanding these developments, infrastructure, technical assistance, and personnel training remain obstacles to the successful deployment of DHTs. Methods: 500 medical experts participated in a survey to evaluate the use, advantages, and challenges of DHTs. The frequency of DHT use, the perceived advantages, and the challenges—such as technical difficulties and a lack of training—were the main topics of the data gathered. Results: The most popular technology was mobile health apps (44.4%), followed by EHR systems and diagnostic tools (33.3%). Benefits reported included decreased administrative burden (50%) and increased diagnostic accuracy (46.2%). However, there significant obstacles were found, though: 63% of respondents said they had only received limited training, and 51.9% mentioned software bugs and network problems. Despite these obstacles, 63% of those surveyed reported increases in the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Discussion: Our study finds a gap between the infrastructure needed for DHTs to be implemented successfully and their quick adoption. This study challenges the notion that adopting technology alone increases productivity by highlighting the importance of thorough technical assistance and staff training. These issues need to be resolved if DHTs are to be fully utilized for improved healthcare delivery and operational effectiveness. • Mobile health apps (44.4%) and EHRs (33.3%) were the most widely adopted digital health technologies (DHTs). • 63% reported inadequate training, and 52% faced technical issues like software bugs. • 63% observed improved healthcare delivery effectiveness despite challenges. • Infrastructure, training, and support are critical for maximizing the potential of DHTs.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.105833

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  • Healthcare workers in Nigeria may be interested in EHR systems in theory, but real practice is limited by context-specific factors including device unavailability, instability of institutional preparedness, and poor health informatics skills.

    “Facts of scoping and quantitative research also confirm that healthcare workers might be interested in EHR systems in theory, but the real practice is limited due to the context specifics, including device unavailability, instability of institutional preparedness, and poor health informatics skills of professionals [14, 22, 23].”

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Authors
Khan, R., Khan, S., Almohaimeed, H. M., Almars, A. I., & Pari, B.
Affiliations
  • Silesian University of Technology (PL)
  • Khyber Girls Medical College (PK)
  • Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (SA)
  • King Abdulaziz University (SA)
  • Lady Reading Hospital (PK)
Corresponding author
Khan, Ruby
Venue
International Journal of Medical Informatics
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-05
Volume
197
Pages
105833
ISSN
1386-5056 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4407425185
Cited by
65
References
35
Citations by year
2026: 45 · 2025: 20
FWCI
51.12
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Medical Informatics (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNURSP2025R213)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Technology and Human Factors in Education and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
Keywords
digital health technologies, electronic health records, mobile health apps, remote monitoring, healthcare professionals' perspectives, staff training needs, technical challenges, software defects, network problems, technology adoption, administrative burden, diagnostic accuracy
MeSH terms
Digital Technology, Digital Health, Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Telemedicine, Electronic Health Records, Mobile Applications

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