Abstract:
The adoption and use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) is understated, despite the
known benefits of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and the availability of health
information systems technology to bridge the healthcare supply-demand gap.
Objective
This study seeks to explore and elucidate the complex interaction of factors inherent
in the adoption and use of EHR from the perspective of strategic, operational and
frontline staff in the private urban hospital setting.
Methodology
This study employed a phenomenological qualitative design to gain a deeper
understanding of factors at intrinsic to the adoption of health information technology
systems in urban hospitals. The study conducted 21 interviews in two private
hospitals with decision makers and computerized information system end-users. The
cohort was segmented into three organizational tiers constituted with frontline,
operational and strategic staff.
Results
Participants agreed that EHR have relative advantage over paper in the form of
operational efficiencies and delivery of care improvements. They did acknowledge
existing challenges of using electronic information systems including prohibitive
financial requirements, IT & computer literacy, system usability and functionality
challenges, miscommunication, organizational processes and culture and increased
workload.
Conclusion
EHR hold immense potential for transforming the delivery of care in hospitals.
Decision makers need to leverage the organisational human resource potential in
their quest to realize EHR value for all stakeholders. However EHR cannot be
viewed as the only solution to improving healthcare.
