Assessing the factors affecting implementation of electronic health records in Uganda Cancer Institute

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the factors affecting implementation of electronic health records in Uganda cancer institute Mulago. The study was based on four objectives which included to examine the current status of Electronic Health records Management in Uganda Cancer Institute, to assess the benefits of electronic health records in management of Uganda Cancer Institute health records, to establish Constraints to implementation of Electronic Health Records and to find out the factors that can drive EHR Implementation in Uganda Cancer Institute. A case study research design, simple random sampling, purposive sampling and qualitative data approach were used. A sample of 120 respondents was selected from a target population of 240 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation methods and it was qualitatively analyzed. This study found out that Uganda Cancer Institute use paper based system for health records. Majority of the health workers do not have basic training in computers since most of them they have never had no training in computer use. The computer use in Uganda Cancer Institute is minimal and where it's available it’s only used for data entry and internet browsing. Computers are used for clerical work, browsing and entertainment respectively. However the staffs are also aware of the benefits of having electronic health records in place with most of them agreeing that it would make their work easier. The perception they have towards electronic health records is also positive. The study concluded that that the staff in Uganda Cancer Institute need to be taken for short courses in computer application. This will help records officers acquire the necessary skills to operate the computers once systems are installed. The Uganda Cancer Institute also need to have policies in place that guide the adoption and implementation of electronic health records. The government as a matter of priority should allocate more funding to Uganda Cancer Institute so that it can comfortably computerize its records. The Uganda Cancer Institute staff should also be sensitized about the advantages of electronic health records and the benefits they would accrue. This will help them accept change of technology instead of rejecting it. EHR provides many benefits to Uganda Cancer Institute and health care providers should implement EHR as a matter of urgency as this will increase productivity and the quality of care will improve.