Impact and Challenges of Electronic Services and Devices on Medical Laboratory Practice; A Study in the Central Region of Ghana

Background: The introduction of electronic services and devices has led to rapid and dramatic innovation and development in the
laboratory environment. However, despite the numerous achievements and contributions in the health sector, laboratory practice
continues to encounter certain difficulties in the use of electronic services and devices.
Objective: This study examined the challenges medical laboratory personnel face in the use of electronic services and devices, and
its impact on the attitude of medical laboratory personnel.
Methods: A total of 62 medical laboratory personnel were conveniently selected from 8 hospitals within the Central region of Ghana.
A questionnaire on Electronic Medical Laboratory Personnel Services for Efficient Health Delivery Services in Ghana was used to collect data for the study. Data collected were screened, coded and entered into computer software, and analysed using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) for Windows.
Results: Findings revealed that the supply of electronic device accessories such as reagent was a challenge as only 37.1% of the
respondents agreed it was easy. About 15% responded that maintenance/servicing of electronic device was easy. Majority showed
positive attitude towards the operation of electronic device understanding principle under which electronic devices work. A higher
proportion of the respondents agreed to the fact that results produced by electronic device are reliable, with average duration of
producing being minutes indicating a better turnaround times. The use of electronic services and devices in the medical laboratory
has had a positive impact on the attitude of some medical laboratory personnel.
Conclusion: Maintenance and repair works on electronic devices by maintenance/service team have to be prompt and regular.
Workshops and training should be organized on use of electronic services and devices on regular basis for medical laboratory personnel so they could be abreast with current trends in their usage.