THE USE OF INTERNET FOR EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICAL PRACTICE IN BLANTYRE DISTRICT HOSPITALS

Abstract

Use of Internet is becoming increasingly popular among health workers. Internet is the largest source of information in health systems that provides health professionals access to health information for Evidence Based Practice. Although the Internet is an important source of medical information used by various health providers, there is no literature on the Internet usage knowledge of health workers in Malawi. The aim of this study was to assess Internet usage, knowledge and practices among health workers for evidence-based practice. It extended to evaluate computer competencies among health workers; to determine pattern of Internet access and use; to identify barriers that affect use of Internet for clinical decision making and to investigate the effect of internet usage on provision of health services. This study found that majority of health workers regularly used Internet and Internet-based resources for both medical information search and personal use.