Evaluation of the electronic health record system in maternal and child health centers of Marie Stopes International Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) defines an Electronic Health Record (EHR) as a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting”. EHR systems improve quality and adaptability of care, contributing to patient safety. The system is also efficient and provides real-time administration to patients. Driven by the need to facilitate clinical and administrative process, and to reduce medical errors, Marie Stopes international Ethiopia (MSIE) implemented EHR system in its maternal and child health (MCH) centers. This study sought to evaluate the EHR system in six departments (inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, laboratory, reception cashiers and MCH managers) of these MCH centers in terms of ease of performing tasks and satisfaction with the system. Methods: A cross-sectional method with formative evaluation was used to address the objective. A sample size of 54 were used for the investigation. The participants were from six departments (inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, laboratory, reception cashiers and MCH managers) within three MCH centers. Data was collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: In total, 83% of respondents found that performing tasks using EHR made tasks easier; the lowest score was from Pharmacy department (48%). The overall satisfaction with EHR was 87%. The lowest score is from the indicator “the system meets my needs” (80%). Conclusions: Staffs in all department reported the EHR system as “very good” for both ease of performing their daily tasks and satisfaction with the system. In addition, the study revealed that ease of performing tasks and satisfaction with the system were varied by department and specific task within the department. It is essential to know the needs and requirements of each department before implementation of the system and user feedback for long lasting uptake and impact.