Uptake of Electronic Medical Record System by Health Workers in Selected Public Hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are now exerting a more significant impact on healthcare industry than before. The objective of this study was to find out how public hospitals in Kiambu County were providing health care services using the health information technology. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 359 participants who met the inclusion criteria out of the entire population of health workers in Kiambu county public facilities. Data was collected using structured and semi structured questionnaires. The study found that majority of respondents were using EMRs during the time of the study. Most of the respondents with internet connectivity utilized the EMRS. Further analysis showed that internet connectivity was 5.3 times more likely to utilize EMRS. The study found that most respondents aged between 40-44 years were utilizing EMRS followed by 30-34 years and 20-24 years. Additionally, more male healthcare workers were utilizing EMRS. Healthcare workers’ who perceived patients' information as secure while using electronic medical record system were more likely to utilize EMRS. Although most healthcare workers disagreed that EMRS takes less time retrieving patient information, the respondents who indicated that the speed in retrieving patient's information was very good were three times more likely to utilize electronic medical record system. Hospital having a power backup system in place or not did not influence the overall uptake of EMRS. The study revealed that at least 89.6% of the healthcare workers utilizing EMRS disagreed that they had adequate knowledge and skills on EMRS operation, this was not significantly associated with uptake of EMRS. In conclusion, most health facilities in Kiambu County are utilizing EMRs with the Ministry of Health at the national and county government required to facilitate continuous training for health workers to promote EMR uptake