Use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in Health Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case of Morocco

Abstract

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented global crisis. It has placed many strains on
the health systems of countries around the world. They had to, among other things, fight simultaneously against
this pandemic, treat the affected people, preserve the rest of the population, while continuing to take care of
the other patients. Faced with this situation, the development of the use of ICT in health establishments is a
necessity today more than ever in order to limit any kind of contamination in hospitals, especially that caused
by the spread of covid-19 on the one hand, and to digitize the relationship between caregiver and patient on
the other hand. All these challenges require the availability of digital tools in health institutions and require
health professionals well informed and trained in this sense. In this respect, the use of digital tools and telehealth
(E-health, telemedicine, telecare....) is a priority step to consolidate health systems, as these new technologies
allow patients to receive accessible, safe and adapted virtual care.Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate
the level of adaptation of the Moroccan health system to the covid-19 pandemic through the use of information
and communication technologies (ICT) in health facilities (hospitals and primary health care facilities), in order to
combat coronavirus contamination in the latter (stop contamination: professional to professional, professional to
patient and patient to patient). Methods: The online questionnaire technique allowed us to collect 500 responses
from health professionals spread over all Moroccan regions. Results: (86%) of the interviewees declared the
existence of a covid-19 service within their institutions, with a majority of (91%) never received training in the
use of ICT. (51%) of the health, professionals confirmed the absence of digital tools in the covid-19 services.
(87%) announced that the covid-19 services do not have applications for the registration of patients suspected
or affected by SARS covid-19. In addition, (79%) of the respondents expressed their dissatisfaction with the use
of ICT. In the same context, (72%) of the participants stated that the use of ICT can limit the spread of SARS
covid-19 in health facilities.
Conclusion: The health crisis has confirmed the importance of digitalization in the health sector. To do so, the
state must place digital tools at the center of its interests as a major reform project for the Moroccan health system.
The adoption of new technologies in the health sector can help health care practitioners to efficiently provide
quality care to patients in order to limit any kind of contamination.