e-health usage and health workers' motivation and job satisfaction in Ghana.

• Main Authors: Roger A Atinga, Patience Aseweh Abor, Saratu Jenepha Suleman, Emmanuel Anongeba Anaba, Bii Kipo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2020-01-01
• Series: PLoS ONE
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239454

<h4>Background</h4>The application of digital technology to improve health service delivery is increasing rapidly in Low- and Middle- Income Countries (LMICs). Digital tools such as electronic health (e-health) have been shown to improve healthcare quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. However, evidence on health workers' experiences using e-health services is limited in LMICs. This study examined the relationship between e-health usage and health workers' motivation and job satisfaction.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a cross-sectional survey design involving health workers across public and private hospitals in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). A structured questionnaire was designed and self-administered to 305 respondents. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the data.<h4>Results</h4>Findings showed a significant positive association of job satisfaction with e-health (p < 0.01) and type of hospital (p < 0.01) but not motivation (p = 0.42). Although type of hospital significantly influenced job satisfaction (p < 0.01), it had no significant mediating effect on the relationship between e-health and job satisfaction. Finally, type of hospital interacted with e-health to moderate the association between e-health usage and job satisfaction.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The findings suggest that e-health systems can catalyse health workers job satisfaction. Thus, measures to strengthen e-health structures to improve on their efficiency and effectiveness is crucial.