Abstract:
Background: Incorporating electronic medical record systems (EMRs) into the healthcare
system is not only about modernizing the health system, but is about saving lives by
facilitating communication and practicing evidence-based decision. Globally, more than
50% of EMR projects fail before they reach their target. Even though EMRs are an essential
tool for health care, their adoption and utilization remains low in developing countries
including Ethiopia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine health professionals' readiness and
associated factors toward the implementation of EMRs in four selected primary hospitals in
Ethiopia.
Methods: An institutionbased cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative approach
was conducted on 414 health professionals from March 2 toMay 5, 2018 in four selected primary
hospitals in Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data
and in-depth interviews were employed for the qualitative data. The data were analyzed using
SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression
analyses were done. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to determine the
association between the determinants and the outcome variable.
Results: More than half (258; 62.3%) of health professionals were ready to use the electronic
medical recording system. EMR knowledge (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: [1.62, 4.29]), attitude
(AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: [1.01, 2.63]), computer literacy (AOR = 3.30; 95% CI: [2.05, 5.31]),
and EMR training (AOR = 3.63, ;5% CI: [1.69, 5.80]) were significantly associated with EMR
readiness.
Conclusion and Recommendation: In general, the overall readiness of health professionals
for EMR implementation was found to be low. Comprehensive packages of capacitybuilding
are crucial to raise the level of knowledge, attitude, and computer skill among health
workers.
