Towards an Integrated Electronic Medical Records System for Quality Healthcare in Ghana: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Towards an Integrated Electronic Medical Records System for Quality Healthcare in Ghana: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Patrick Ohemeng Gyaase, Richard Darko-Lartey, Harrison William, Foster Borkloe
Copyright: © 2017 |Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/IJCCP.2017070103
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Abstract

This article explores the factors militating against the diffusion integration electronic medical records in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents in the healthcare ecosystem and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed non-integration of electronic medical records systems among the stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem mostly due to and interoperability issues. There is also substantial usage of technology in capturing and storing medical records. The key factors militating against the integration of electronic medical records systems are inadequate funds to purchase database management systems, acquisition and maintenance costs of electronic medical records systems, and an unclear return on investment on the integrated electronic medical records systems. The article recommends sustained government financial support, standardization policy and implementation guidelines to facilitate the integration of electronic medical records systems in the various health institutions.
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Integrated Electronic Medical Records In Healthcare

Integrated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems are becoming an essential fabric of modern healthcare. EMR systems have evolved from stand-alone single computer record-keeping to an integrated, enterprise-wide system that ensures real time access to accurate patient healthcare data (Wiliam & Michael, 2009). The ease of data retrieval with a click of mouse from integrated EMR systems and real-time access to patients’ information by clinicians and other stakeholders result in efficiency gains and quality care delivery.

Integrated EMR systems also encourage collaboration within the healthcare system through dissemination of health information and sharing data in real-time among stakeholders in the healthcare delivery system. Integrated EMR system has the potential to reduce cost of healthcare delivery in terms of manpower required and savings from stationery thus improving efficiency (Hoque, Rakibul, & Golam, 2016).

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