Evaluation of Electronic Medical Record Implementation from User’s Perspectives in Ayder Referral Hospital Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is the legal and longitudinal electronic record of patient health information that is created in digital format in Hospitals. The EMR system may include demographics, medical history, medical and allergies, laboratory test results, radiology images and vital signs [1]. It is a computer based systems for input, storage, display, retrieval, and printing of information contained in a patient's medical record and have become necessary for proper management of patients [2,3]. While the healthcare industry as a whole of the world wide has made significant investments in technology for the purpose of diagnosis, clinical and treatment, it has been comparatively slow to adopt Health Information Technology (HIT) and health information exchange as a health management tool. It has been in the last decade that significant investments have been made for acceptance and use of EMR system [4]. Implementation of an EMR system increases efficiency of health services, quality of care and user satisfaction. Successful implementation depends on multiple factors; one of the factors is users' response to utilization of EMR system [2]. Health Management Information system (HMIS) was strengthening in Ethiopia. As a result HMIS documentation package was implemented to standardize the patient documentation and reporting systems in all health facilities of the country. The implementation of this standardized documentation system was mandatory and a prerequisite to implement the EMR system to make sure that the paper workflow is in line with the EMR system. It leads to improvement in quality of healthcare, decreased time spent on paper work, increased patient satisfaction and financial saving [5,6]. Computerization of health care is an ongoing measure. Even though considerable achievements have been made in the spread of information technology in the healthcare service, general clinical use of EMR system has not yet succeeded. The reasons for this lack of use are not clear but some possible explanations happen. These include computer skills, the implementation process, immediate benefit and the impact on time efficiency [3]. With an increasing fiscal limitation and a great demand by all stakeholders regarding return on investment, it is important to measure the success of EMR implementation [7]. However, in many developing countries the EMR system is not widely Abstract Background: It is widely recognized that the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) has the potential to become the core electronic information and communication system in the health care sector. Implementation of an EMR system increases efficiency and quality of health services, and Users satisfaction. Successful implementation depends on many factors, one of which is how users respond to the new system. Yet no evaluation studies have been on EMR implementation effectiveness at in Ethiopia. To evaluate the EMR implementation effectiveness in Ayder Referral Hospital.