Utilization of Electronic Medical Records by Doctors and Clinical Officers in Comprehensive Care Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2024-08
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Electronic medical records (EMRs) have been introduced to replace the paper-based health records system at comprehensive care clinics (CCCs) in hospitals across Nairobi County, Kenya. The objective of this study was to assess the utilization and effects of EMRs as a continuous quality improvement tool among doctors and clinical officers in these hospitals. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the levels of EMR utilization among doctors and clinical officers in HIV and AIDS CCCs in Nairobi County, identify health workers' perceptions about EMR utilization in these services, and establish the factors influencing EMR utilization in HIV and AIDS services provided by the CCCs in Nairobi County. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants, consisting of 100 doctors and clinical officers, were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling from 41 HIV and AIDS CCCs across both public and private hospitals in Nairobi County. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were employed. The study revealed high levels of EMR adoption among health workers, with all CCCs in Nairobi having installed EMRs, allowing personnel to use these systems daily. The adoption of EMRs resulted in improved efficiency within the CCCs of Nairobi County. However, the study also identified challenges, such as difficulties in accessing records during power blackouts. Regarding the influence of health workers' perceptions on EMR utilization, the study found that factors such as access and speed, ease of navigation, and efficiency impacted the use of EMRs in CCC services. Additionally, organizational factors were found to affect EMR adoption, with management support of innovation significantly influencing health professionals’ willingness to adopt EMRs. Technical factors also played a role, as facilities that adopted EMRs experienced relative advantages that influenced their decision to implement these systems. Furthermore, external environmental factors impacted EMR adoption, as EMRs helped health facilities address competitive pressures. The study also identified challenges in EMR implementation, including issues with selecting appropriate EMR systems and the transition from paper-based to electronic systems, which require careful planning. The study concluded that EMR adoption has enhanced the efficiency of services in health centers in Nairobi County. It recommends a concerted effort by all stakeholders to address potential barriers to EMR adoption and utilization in CCCs.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Masters of Science Degree in Health Information Management in the School of Public Health of Kenyatta University, August, 2024