An Assessment of Success Factors and Challenges in Implementation of Electronic Medical Record System in Referral Hospital in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) has significant benefits in improving the quality of hospital services in low resources settings. Despite efforts to implement various EMRs in different health facilities, there is scarce information on the challenges and success factors regarding EMR Implementation in Regional hospitals. The aim of this study is to assess the success and challenging factors in the implementation of an electronic medical record system at the regional referral Hospital.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional design study involving qualitative and quantitative approaches that was conducted at Haydom Lutheran Hospital a Regional Referral Hospital in northern Tanzania. The semi-structured questionnaires and the Key Informant Interview Guide questions were used for quantitative and qualitative data collection respectively. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata Version 13.0. The quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics. Thematic method was used to analyze the qualitative data.
Results: Among 303 participants more than half were male 167(55.1%) and 119 (39.3%) aged between 31 and 40 years. The nurses and medical attendants were the predominant group 188(62%). Most of the staff were on full-time employment 273(90.1%) and more than thirty percent 118 (38.09%) have worked for over 10 years. The age group of between 31-60 years had a higher influence on the EMR net benefit compared to respondents aged 20 to 30 years and 60 years. The easy use, learning, usefulness, and relevance to work as well as leadership, staff involvement in processes, and use of champions were among of success factors for EMR implementation. Challenges include inadequate training, lack of funding, and inadequate IT equipment. The net benefit includes increases in efficiency in service delivery and better resource management.
Conclusion: Staff involvement, use of champions and the fact that the system is easy to use contributed to the success of EMR system. In order to scale up and sustain the EMR system in hospitals, adequate funding, training as well as continuous support to all staff in the hospital is required.