<p>Health Professionals’ Readiness and Its Associated Factors to Implement Electronic Medical Record System in Four Selected Primary Hospitals in Ethiopia</p>

Abstract

Background: Incorporating electronic medical record systems (EMRs) into the healthcare system is not only about modernizing the health system, but is about saving lives by facilitating communication and practicing evidence-based decision. Globally, more than 50% of EMR projects fail before they reach their target. Even though EMRs are an essential tool for health care, their adoption and utilization remains low in developing countries including Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine health professionals' readiness and associated factors toward the implementation of EMRs in four selected primary hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods: An institutionbased cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative approach was conducted on 414 health professionals from March 2 to May 5, 2018 in four selected primary hospitals in Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data and in-depth interviews were employed for the qualitative data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to determine the association between the determinants and the outcome variable. Results: More than half (258; 62.3%) of health professionals were ready to use the electronic medical recording system. EMR knowledge (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: [1.62, 4.29]), attitude (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: [1.01, 2.63]), computer literacy (AOR = 3.30; 95% CI: [2.05, 5.31]), and EMR training (AOR = 3.63, ;5% CI: [1.69, 5.80]) were significantly associated with EMR readiness. Conclusion and Recommendation: In general, the overall readiness of health professionals for EMR implementation was found to be low. Comprehensive packages of capacitybuilding are crucial to raise the level of knowledge, attitude, and computer skill among health workers.

<p>The Applicability of the Modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on the Sustainable Adoption of eHealth Systems in Resource-Limited Settings</p>

“…2,3 Health technology applications, like hospital information system (HIS), electronic health record (EHR), mobile health (M-health), decision support system (DSS), electronic medical record system (EMR) and research/data collection systems (RCS) have a big value in different settings of the healthcare by reducing healthcare costs, advancing access for up-to-date information, enable quick access for patient records and improve communication between patient and healthcare providers. [4][5][6][7] Over the past decade, the practical implementation and integration of eHealth systems have been scaled drastically. Many developed nations are utilizing eHealth technologies and make a real difference in improving patient care, and the provision of efficient and effective healthcare services.…”

“…2 , 3 Health technology applications, like hospital information system (HIS), electronic health record (EHR), mobile health (M-health), decision support system (DSS), electronic medical record system (EMR) and research/data collection systems (RCS) have a big value in different settings of the healthcare by reducing healthcare costs, advancing access for up-to-date information, enable quick access for patient records and improve communication between patient and healthcare providers. 4–7 …”

Knowledge of electronic medical records system among frontline health care workers in Jos University teaching hospital, Plateau State Nigeria

“…Studies conducted in Ethiopia, Kuwait and Nigeria reported similar findings though slight variations existed in the methodology of assessment used. 19 , 20 , 22 , 23…”

The potential of digital health technologies in African context, Ethiopia

“…A significant number of healthcare professionals were either not ready 75,82,78 or not willing 72,81 to use EHR. Some healthcare professionals still preferred paper-based records to EHR in their daily work 74,77,79,80,81 while other preferred EHR.…”

“…76 Lack of access to EHR training, computer skills, and performance expectancy were the major barriers to their willingness or intention to use EHR. 71,72,73,74,75,77,78,81,82…”