UTILIZATION AND DETERMINANTS OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD SYSTEM AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIESOF HARARI REGIONAL STATE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Electronic medical records are computerized patient records introduced in the early 1970stoimpact patient health outcomes using information technology. Electronic medical record systems are increasingly incorporated into the healthcare systems of developing countries, including Ethiopia, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare institutions. However, there are number of challenges from health professionals for institutionalizing and using well functional electronic medical records system as a means of delivering quality health care services to meet the needs of clients. Objective: - The purpose of this study was to assess the level of utilization and determinants of electronic medical record use among health professionals working in public health facilities in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia from October 1-30/2019. Methods: A facility- based cross-sectional study was conducted on 498 randomly selected health professionals at public health facility of Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. Pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collection facilitators were participated in the data collection process. Data were entered into EpiData Version3.1, and exported to STATA version 14.2 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the study variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictors of the outcome variable. A p-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence level were considered as statistically significant. Results: Of the total 551 approached health professionals, 498(90.3%) were returned the questionnaire. Out of this, 211(42.3%, 95% CI: 38, 46) were using the electronic medical recording system. Females (AOR=0.40, 95% CI: .251-.66), professionals with good attitude (AOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.72), professionals with good knowledge (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.53- 4.00), and those having basic computer course (AOR= 4.45, 95% CI: 2.17 – 9.10)) were significantly associated with the EMR system utilization. Conclusions: Only four in ten health professionals were reportedusing an electronic medical record system. Females, participants with basic computer courses, having good knowledge and a good attitude, were found to use an electronic medical record system. Improving knowledge and awareness of health professionals is important for scaling up the electronic medical record system used in facilities.