Health Professionals’ Preference and Use of Electronic Health Records in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30953/thmt.v10.593Keywords:
Electronic health records, healthcare, healthcare workers, communication preference, technologyAbstract
Introduction
There have been major transformations in the health sector through innovation and digital development in the last decade and especially after COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of health technologies like telemedicine, Computer based Patient Records (CPR) and Electronic Health Systems, healthcare professionals need to adjust to the digital era to provide quality, timely and ethical care.
Aim
To assess health professionals’ preferences and usage of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Methods
A cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted from September 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022. Data was electronically collected among 233 health professionals (Doctors and Nurses). Data was collected at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital using a structured questionnaire after consent had been taken from participants—preference to use Electronic Health Records in patient management. Data was analyzed using Stata 16 using Summary statistics, Chi-square, and logistic regression. The performance of the model was determined using an ROC curve.
Results
A total of 172(73.8%) females and 61(26,2%) males responded to the questionnaire. Among the participants, 154(57.6%) preferred EHR. Some of the factors associated with EHR preference were age group, gender, department, qualification, knowledge on use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and ICT tools, and years of experience in the individual profession.
Conclusion
The study revealed nurses preferred to use EHR than doctors. In addition, educating, training, and consistent usage of ICT tools and EHR systems will increase health care professionals’ usage of EHR.
Keywords: Electronic Health Records, Information Communication Technology, Preference, Healthcare, Health workers
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Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Mensah, MSC, BSC, Sampson Opoku, PHD, MSC, BSC, Annabel A. Anum, MA, BSC, Mahama R. Nafisa, MD, NBCHB, Theophilius Brocke, MPH, BSC3, Tabitha Quaidoo, FGCNM, MGCNM, BSC, Mercy A. Nuamah. MD, BSC, PHD
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