Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41289270›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers towards the use of digital facial recognition application in a health setting in Uganda: An exploratory pilot study.

Patrick Kaggwa, Juliet Nabbuye Sekandi, Mcdonald Kerone Adenike, Peter Nabende, Sarah Nabukeera, Kenneth Kidonge Katende, Esther Buregyeya, Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Patrick KaggwaDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1785-307X
Juliet Nabbuye SekandiGlobal Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America.
Mcdonald Kerone AdenikeGlobal Health Institute, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0236-6439
Peter NabendeDepartment of Research and Data, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda.
Sarah NabukeeraDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Kenneth Kidonge KatendeDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Esther BuregyeyaDepartment of Information Systems, School of Computing and Informatics Technology, College of Computing and Information Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Nazarius Mbona TumwesigyeDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Funding

Emory/Georgia TB Research Advancement Center (TRAC)P30AI168386 · NIAID · EMORY UNIVERSITY · PI Jeffrey M Collins · 2022 to 2026
$5.8M
NIAID NIH HHS P30 AI168386
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundUnique patient identification is often challenging in healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Digital facial recognition is a promising alternative to traditional identification methods. This pilot study explores the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers towards using facial recognition technology in a healthcare setting in Uganda.

methodsWe conducted an explorative qualitative study using key informant interviews with healthcare workers in Kampala, Uganda, to assess perceptions and attitudes towards digital facial recognition. We interviewed a total of 10 healthcare workers, including five doctors and five nurses, aged 20-39 years, with at least one year of professional experience. A trained interviewer provided a brief overview and demonstration of the facial recognition application and then used an open-ended interview guide to elicit responses about perceptions and attitudes. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data obtained from Key Informant Interviews were manually analyzed using thematic content analysis.

resultsOverall, the healthcare workers perceived digital facial recognition as a more effective and acceptable way to identify patients who receive service at outpatient clinics. Four themes emerged, including: i) Challenges affecting current patient identification standards, ii) Healthcare workers' views on facial recognition, iii) Perceived digital facial recognition implementation challenges, and iv) Solutions to challenges of digital facial recognition. The healthcare workers recommended ensuring the protection patients' images privacy, providing adequate technological infrastructure in clinics, and securing stable internet access for the successful implementation of digital facial recognition.

conclusionOur exploratory study indicates that overall, healthcare workers have a positive perception of the digital facial recognition application. However, it is crucial to acknowledge and address concerns regarding confidentiality and privacy to pave the way for the future implementation of the system.

Indexed as

Ambulatory Care FacilitiesAttitude of Health PersonnelAutomated Facial RecognitionHealth PersonnelPatient Identification SystemsAdultConfidentialityCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansInternet AccessInterviews as TopicMalePilot ProjectsQualitative ResearchUganda

Identifiers

PMID41289270
PMCPMC12646429

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.