Background: Over the past five years, Mukono district has implemented smart paper technology(SPT) to improve data capture and reporting efficiency in health facilities, focusing on the ExpandedProgram on Immunization (EPI). Initially successful, recent indicators reveal a decline in SPTeffectiveness, attributed to healthcare workers (HCWs) not using the technology as intended, leadingto errors in electronically reported data. HCWs in the district cited scanner malfunctions among othertechnological challenges as reasons for not using the technology, however, these were disprovedduring the district health team (DHT) on-site visits. The assistant district health officer (ADHO)attributes the challenges to staff motivation and is interested in ways to boost healthcare workers'enthusiasm for SPT use. If these measures fail, the ADHO suggests a return to a paper-based system.The DHT seeks evidence on ways to motivate healthcare workers in adopting and efficiently usingnew technologies, such as SPT for enhancing data capture.Question: How can healthcare workers be motivated to adopt and effectively utilize new technologies,such as smart paper technology, designed to improve data capture in their work environment?Findings: Digital technology like SPT can significantly reduce data management time for healthcareworkers, but its adoption hinges on overcoming motivational barriers. We identified both practicaland personal motivators influencing the adoption of eHealth solutions:Practical motivators, including a user-friendly design and intuitive interface, direct engagementwith SPT inventors (Shifo) for feedback and support, extensive training coupled with continuoustechnical assistance, and financial incentives collectively guarantee user convenience and minimissethe workload for healthcare professionals.Personal motivators such as clear benefits of SPT, tailored training and learning activities, high-quality, real-time technical support and coaching, adequate personnel and reasonable workloadincluding multisector incentives leading to increased efficiency and reduced workload can increaseadoption of eHealth technologies.Conclusion: Understanding both practical and personal motivators is vital for addressing thechallenges associated with SPT utilization. The proposed strategies, such as user-friendly design,comprehensive training, financial incentives, and recognition programs, provide a framework formotivating healthcare workers and facilitating the successful adoption of digital health technologies.Implementing both practical and personal motivators in combination can increase the uptake of neweHealth solutions.
