Users’ perception on factors contributing to electronic medical records systems use: a focus group discussion study in healthcare facilities setting in Kenya

Background Electronic medical records systems (EMRs) adoption in healthcare to facilitate work processes have become common in many countries. Although EMRs are associated with quality patient care, patient safety, and cost reduction, their adoption rates are comparatively low. Understanding factors associated with the use of the implemented EMRs are critical for advancing successful implementations and scale-up sustainable initiatives. The aim of this study was to explore end users’ perceptions and experiences on factors facilitating and hindering EMRs use in healthcare facilities in Kenya, a low- and middle-income country. Methods Two focus group discussions were conducted with EMRs users (n = 20) each representing a healthcare facility determined by the performance of the EMRs implementation. Content analysis was performed on the transcribed data and relevant themes derived. Results Six thematic categories for both facilitators and barriers emerged, and these related to (1) system functionalities; (2) training; (3) technical support; (4) human factors; (5) infrastructure, and (6) EMRs operation mode. The identified facilitators included: easiness of use and learning of the system complemented by EMRs upgrades, efficiency of EMRs in patient data management, responsive information technology (IT) and collegial support, and user training. The identified barriers included: frequent power blackouts, inadequate computers, retrospective data entry EMRs operation mode, lack of continuous training on system upgrades, and delayed IT support. Conclusions Users generally believed that the EMRs improved the work process, with multiple factors identified as facilitators and barriers to their use. Most users perceived system functionalities and training as motivators to EMRs use, while infrastructural issues posed as the greatest barrier. No specific EMRs use facilitators and/or barriers could be attributed to facility performance levels. Continuous evaluations are necessary to assess improvements of the identified factors as well as determine emerging issues.

Assessing Electronic Medical Records Readiness for Service Delivery in State Hospitals in Southwest Nigeria

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is an important communications channel relating to patient health conditions. Unfortunately, many hospitals in Africa, including Nigeria, have not implemented EMR. The few Hospitals that have some level of EMR continues are still struggling with the use of paper and hybrid medical records, which has led to inadequate medical follow-up, medical error, and long waiting time for patients. A sample size of three hundred and ninety-seven (397) was determined using krejcie and morgan models, comprising of strategic managers, and the operational staff drawn from a population of 2889 in the selected hospitals. At the hospital level, purposive sampling was applied in picking strategic managers, while stratified random sampling was method was used to select operational health workers. Questionnaires were used for data collection. The study adopted a descriptive statistical analysis method to describe the existing medical records systems. The finding indicated that the systems in the hospitals are mainly paper-based. The hospitals are also using hybrid system with a few treatment areas having fully electronic medical records systems. In the area where EMR has been implemented, the finding indicates poor penetration of the EMR system, limited modules, staff readiness and poor performance in the treatment area, among others. The study concluded that hospitals that have implemented, EMR is not serving the classical purpose of medical record of supporting treatment and follow up. The study recommended that the selected hospitals should ensure there is the availability of fund, staff training, and technical infrastructures like electronic record managers, ICT support staff, and computer compatible medical devices, among others.

Implementation of Electronic Medical Records for Service Delivery in Selected State Hospitals in Southwest Nigeria

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is an important communications channel relating to patient health conditions. Unfortunately, many hospitals in Africa, including Nigeria, have not implemented EMR. The few Hospitals that have some level of EMR continues are still struggling with the use of paper and hybrid medical records, which has led to inadequate medical follow-up, medical error, and long waiting time for patients. A sample size of three hundred and ninety-seven (397) was determined using krejcie and morgan models, comprising of strategic managers, and the operational staff drawn from a population of 2889 in the selected hospitals. At the hospital level, purposive sampling was applied in picking strategic managers, while stratified random sampling was method was used to select operational health workers. Questionnaires were used for data collection. The study adopted a descriptive statistical analysis method to describe the existing medical records systems. The finding indicated that the systems in the hospitals are mainly paper-based. The hospitals are also using hybrid system with a few treatment areas having fully electronic medical records systems. In the area where EMR has been implemented, the finding indicates poor penetration of the EMR system, limited modules, staff readiness and poor performance in the treatment area, among others. The study concluded that hospitals that have implemented, EMR is not serving the classical purpose of medical record of supporting treatment and follow up. The study recommended that the selected hospitals should ensure there is the availability of fund, staff training, and technical infrastructures like electronic record managers, ICT support staff, and computer compatible medical devices, among others.

Users’ Perception on Factors Contributing to Electronic Medical Records Systems Use: A Focus Group Discussion Study in Healthcare Facilities Setting in Kenya

Background Electronic Medical Records systems (EMRs) adoption in healthcare to facilitate work processes have become common in many countries. Although EMRs are associated with quality patient care, patient safety and cost reduction, their adoption rates are comparatively low. Understanding factors associated with usage of implemented EMRs are critical for advancing successful implementations and scale-up sustainable initiatives. The aim of this study was to explore end users’ perceptions and experiences on factors facilitating and hindering EMRs use in healthcare facilities in Kenya. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted with EMRs users (n=20) each representing a healthcare facility determined by the performance of the EMRs implementation. Content analysis was performed on the transcribed data and relevant themes derived.Results Six thematic categories for both facilitators and barriers emerged, and these related to: (1) system functionalities; (2) training; (3) technical support; (4) human factors; (5) infrastructure, and (6) EMR operation mode. The identified facilitators included: easiness of use and learning of the system, efficiency of EMRs in patient data management, responsiveness of Information Technical (IT) support, user training on EMR system upgrades. The identified barriers included: frequent power blackouts, inadequate computers, retrospective data entry (RDE) EMRs operation mode, lack of continuous training on system upgrades, and delayed IT support. Conclusion Users in an LMIC setting generally believed that the EMRs improved work process, with multiple identified facilitators and barriers to their use. Most users perceived system functionality and training as motivators to EMRs use, while infrastructure challenge was the greatest barrier.

Towards an Integrated Electronic Medical Records System for Quality Healthcare in Ghana

This article explores the factors militating against the diffusion integration electronic medical records in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents in the healthcare ecosystem and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed non-integration of electronic medical records systems among the stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem mostly due to and interoperability issues. There is also substantial usage of technology in capturing and storing medical records. The key factors militating against the integration of electronic medical records systems are inadequate funds to purchase database management systems, acquisition and maintenance costs of electronic medical records systems, and an unclear return on investment on the integrated electronic medical records systems. The article recommends sustained government financial support, standardization policy and implementation guidelines to facilitate the integration of electronic medical records systems in the various health institutions.

Towards an Integrated Electronic Medical Records System for Quality Healthcare in Ghana

This article explores the factors militating against the diffusion integration electronic medical records in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents in the healthcare ecosystem and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed non-integration of electronic medical records systems among the stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem mostly due to and interoperability issues. There is also substantial usage of technology in capturing and storing medical records. The key factors militating against the integration of electronic medical records systems are inadequate funds to purchase database management systems, acquisition and maintenance costs of electronic medical records systems, and an unclear return on investment on the integrated electronic medical records systems. The article recommends sustained government financial support, standardization policy and implementation guidelines to facilitate the integration of electronic medical records systems in the various health institutions.