Implementing an electronic health record in a Nigerian secondary healthcare facility. Prospects and challenges

Abstract

Nigeria is witnessing continuing advocacy and increase in number of individuals yearning for computerization of health information and healthcare processes. However, little is known about the opinions of the diverse healthcare providers who would ensure the successful implementation and meaningful use of health information technology in the country (Adeleke, Erinle et al. 2015). This study explores the perceived challenges and prospects from the perspectives of doctors, through their knowledge and experience, that may be associated with the implementation of an electronic health record at the General Hospitals where they work. The study also sought their views on the benefits of the system if implemented. With an interpretive case study research approach, empirical material was collected from doctors in General Hospitals in three different states of Nigeria using informal phone discussions. Findings from the survey revealed that challenges associated with the implementation of EHRs in General Hospitals in Nigeria include infrastructure issues like power supply and inadequate ICT equipment; human factors issues like inadequate computer skill among non-medical and non-clinical staff; as well as political issues such as poor administration, corruption and financial constraints. And while the participants believed that willingness of the doctors to adopt the EHR system and good knowledge of computer use among the doctors were prospects to implementing the EHR, the participants agreed that benefits such as improved access to and enhanced confidentiality and safety of patient data as well as enhanced service delivery will be derived from implementing the EHR at the hospitals where they work.

Keywords: Electronic Health Records, Information Infrastructure, Secondary Healthcare Facility, Nigeria, Implementation, Prospects, Challenges