Abstract:
Electronic Health Records (EHR) system is defined by International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) as a database of patients’ data in digital format, which can be stored and exchanged between multiple authorized users in a secure manner. It is a significant technological advancement that helps to increase the standards of healthcare delivery and is considered as the backbone integrating various information tools in healthcare systems. The aim was to determine the challenges, proposed solutions and perception of healthcare providers on the use of EHR in Rwanda. A prospective cross-sectional design was used to determine the challenges, proposed solutions and perceptions of healthcare providers on the use of EHR at Remera Rukoma hospital. A consecutive sampling method was used to choose all the healthcare providers working at Remera Rukoma hospital who were eligible for the study criteria to obtain the sample. The tool was developed based on the literatures about EHR use, a conceptual framework and the research goals. Descriptive statistics was used to present and analyze data. At Remera Rukoma hospital, the majority of healthcare providers (72.2%) have a positive perception toward EHR system use. They have the challenges including being unable to export paper-based documents to digital records (63.9%); lack of interoperability with other systems and healthcare institution like hospital, clinics and health centers (56.5%); frequent lack of internet connection or poor connection (55.5%); lack of technical trainings (54.6%); the smooth use is difficult (50.9%); and lack of technical expertise and provider support (50%). They proposed solutions including (71.3%) is improving the network and electricity in the hospital followed by linking the health centers, clinics and hospitals (interoperability) and maintaining the patient identification so that patient’s information can be easily found (63.9%). This study showed that the healthcare providers of Remera Rukoma hospital have positive perception towards the use of EHR. The hospital needs to combat the challenges showed and to use the solutions proposed to improve the usability of EHR.
