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Research Article

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY INAKWA IBOM STATE

Harrison Otuekong Ataide

Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa
Ibom State

Ebong, Itoro Bassey

Department of Public Administration, University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa
Ibom State

David Akpan Umoh

National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja

Received: 10 April 2026 | Accepted: 07 May 2026 | Published: 11 May 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20131731 | Pages: 1-23 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 3

Abstract

This study examined and evaluated the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in public healthcare service delivery within selected hospitals under the Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board. The research was motivated by the increasing importance of digital technologies in improving efficiency, accuracy, and quality of healthcare services, particularly in developing health systems such as Nigeria’s public healthcare sector. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Both primary and secondary sources of data were utilized to ensure comprehensive coverage of the research objectives. Primary data were collected through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 260 respondents drawn from selected public healthcare facilities. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation of different professional categories within the healthcare system, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and medical records personnel. Secondary data were obtained from relevant textbooks, journals, policy documents, and institutional reports. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using the Chi-square (X²) statistical method to test the stated hypotheses. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents strongly supported the use of ICT in healthcare delivery, acknowledging its positive impact on service efficiency, reduction in waiting time, improved referral systems, enhanced accuracy in diagnosis, and reduction in medical errors. The study further found that ICT tools such as computerized medical software, electronic medical records, and diagnostic technologies were present and actively utilized in the selected healthcare facilities. However, despite these advancements, the study identified gaps in infrastructure availability, staff capacity, and system optimization. The findings established a significant relationship between ICT adoption and improved healthcare service delivery in hospitals managed by the Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board. The study concludes that ICT plays a vital role in strengthening healthcare systems and improving service outcomes. It therefore recommends that government should provide adequate ICT infrastructure across all secondary healthcare facilities, including those in underserved and rural areas, while also ensuring continuous training and capacity development of healthcare personnel to enhance effective utilization of digital health technologies.

Keywords

Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Healthcare Service Delivery;
Public Health Sector; Electronic Medical Records; E-Health; Telemedicine; Hospital Management
Board; Healthcare Efficiency

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