UTILIZATION OF AI TOOLS FOR ENHANCING HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UITH) KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the utilization of AI tools in enhancing healthcare services in the

University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives of this

study were to: identify the perceived benefits associated with the use of AI tools in enhancing

healthcare services at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria; and

identify the perceived challenges faced in the use of AI tools in enhancing healthcare services

at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria. The methodology adopted

for this study was a descriptive survey research design approach, utilizing a structured

questionnaire to collect data from a wide range of healthcare professionals within the hospital.

The population for this study comprised 198 healthcare professionals from five departments at

UITH, Kwara State, Nigeria. A stratified sampling technique was employed to ensure fair

representation from the diverse professional categories across departments. The departments

include Hematology, Chemical Pathology, Radiology, Medical Microbiology Laboratory, and

the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A total sample size of 132 healthcare workers was selected

across five departments/units. Findings revealed a high level of perceived benefits of AI tools

were recognised such as AI's potential to improve diagnosis, reduce manual errors, and speed

up laboratory processes among others, however, respondents identified a number of challenges

hindering the optimal use of AI tools such as unstable electricity, poor internet connectivity,

outdated infrastructure, limited training, and the absence of clear institutional or national

policies. In conclusion, the adoption of AI would significantly improve healthcare delivery at

UITH and contribute substantially to broader digital health advancements in Nigeria. It was

recommended that medical practitioners and other ad hoc staff across departments within the

hospital environment need to be trained on the effective use of AI tools.