Knowledge and Implementation of Electronic Health Records System among Selected Private Hospitals in Umuahia, Abia State
Keywords:
Electronic Health Records, EHR implementation, private hospitals, knowledge and perceptions, Umuahia, Abia State, NigeriaAbstract
This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, implementation status, and challenges of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems among healthcare workers in selected private hospitals in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 150 healthcare workers using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed a predominantly female (57.3%) workforce aged 30-39 years (33.3%), consisting mainly of nurses (50.0%) and doctors (30.0%) with 5-10 years of experience (34.7%). Respondents demonstrated good knowledge of EHR systems (65.3%), with 64.0% correctly identifying an EHR as a digital patient chart and 72.0% recognizing its role in reducing medication errors. Perceptions toward EHR were mixed; while 32.0% identified improved patient care quality as the main benefit and 45.3% reported moderate readiness to use EHRs, major concerns included high cost (36.0%), unreliable power supply (24.0%), and time required for learning (18.7%). Actual implementation remained limited, with only 22.7% using a full EHR system, while 24.0% used no computerized system at all. Major challenges identified included unstable electricity (30.7%), high costs (28.0%), lack of reliable internet (18.7%), and insufficient training, as 34.7% received no formal training. The study concludes that while healthcare workers exhibit good basic knowledge and moderate readiness, significant implementation gaps persist due to systemic barriers. Recommendations include infrastructure investment, continuous training programmes, phased implementation strategies, and policy interventions by state health authorities to promote sustainable EHR integration in private hospitals in southeastern Nigeria
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