The effect of ICTs on the accessibility of medical research Information by Medical Research Personnel in Zambia

This study aimed at assessing the effects of information Communication Technologies(ICTs)on the accessibility of medical research information by medical research personnel in Zambia.It was an explanatory study drawing both qualitatitve and quantitative data from 9 medical research institutions in Zambia using a self administered questionnaire.From literature the study revealed that medical research being a dynamic field requires the assimilation of new technologies and skills in order to develop and contribute to quality of human life.From primary sources this study has revealed some of the dynamics of how ICTs have affected the generation,processing,storage and dissermination of medical research information.More specifically,the study has assessed the effects,both negative and positive,that the introduction of ICTs has brought to the scientists,who study biological systems to understan the causes of the disease and other health problems in Zambia.The study has also revealed that medical research institutions in Zambia do not use ICTs in accessing of medical research information and that there has been an effect of ICTs on the accessibility of medical research information by medical research personnel in Zambia.It further reveals that ICTs are utilized in accessing medical researc information by medical research personnel with the introduction of ICTs.On further analysis of the research findings,the study revealed an above average satisfaction level of medical research personnel in Zambia with their use of ICTs in accessing medical research information.The study showed a disparity in the trends of the use of 'Traditional ICTs''Modern ICTs'and 'emerging ICTs'The study therefore concludes that ICTs being tools that facilitate the production,processing,transmission and storage of information have the potential that covers a wide range of issues including copyright,open source,privacy and security.To this effect the study made recommendations to improve utilization of ICTs in terms of ICT procurement and acquisition strategy,ICT use and application in health/medine policy and ICT training policy and medical training.