A Study on the Application of Digital Technology to Enhance the Efficiency of Village Health Volunteers
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Abstract
This research aims to (1) study the application of digital technology to enhance the efficiency of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), and (2) examine the application of digital technology that influences the performance of VHVs. The sample group used in this research consists of 400 Village Health Volunteers in Sakon Nakhon Province. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through means, standard deviations, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using the ADANCO software to determine both direct and indirect effects. The research findings revealed that: (1) the application of technology consists of the use of technology in public health, education, online systems, administration with government agencies, data recording and storage, communication, social networking, and information searching; and (2) the application of technology has no direct influence on the performance of Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). This may be due to the limited intensity of technology use among VHVs and insufficient technological support for their operations. Some studies have noted that elderly VHVs are not familiar with modern communication devices. However, this study found that (1) the application of technology in public health work affects data recording and storage; (2) the application of technology in education affects information searching; (3) the application of online systems affects administration with government agencies, social networking, and information searching; and (4) the application of technology in administration with government agencies affects communication. The research findings are the conclusions drawn from analyzing variables in a study will inform the development of an action plan to facilitate inter-organizational collaboration.
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