Abstract:
Background: Electronic Medical Record(EMR) implementation in Ethiopia started on 2008 ,
The EMR currently used in Ethiopia is known as Smart Care which is developed by Tulane
International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Hospitals under Addis Ababa regional
health bureau started to use EMR around 2010 ,but it has been observed that EMR use in
hospitals under Addis Ababa regional health bureau wasn't encouraging. The reasons behind the
unsatisfactory implementation of EMR are not well understood yet. This study intended to fill
this gaps, by assessing EMR utilization and factors associated with EMR utilization.
Objective: the objective of this study is to measure Electronic Medical Record system utilization
and factors associated among health professionals currently working at the five Addis Ababa
hospitals under Addis Ababa regional health bureau.
Methods: the study design was an institution based Cross sectional quantitative survey with
internal comparative analysis. Self administered questioner with informed consent was used for
the data collection. Sample size was 381. Logistic regression was done for internal comparison
analysis. In order to assess factors associated with EMR utilization we conducted logistic
regression analysis. Chi Square test to assess the presence of association. To assess the clear
association of each factory by controlling the effect of confounders we conducted multiple
logistic regression. To do this we included all the factors that showed significant association at P
value <0.05 in the Chi Square test.
Results: Forty two percent of participants l proportion 0.42, 95% CI (0.37. 0.47)J have used
EMR . The findings indicated that health workers who use computer regularly than non-regular
users [AOR 2.72, 95% CI (1.07, 6.89)] .those who took EMR training than not taken[ AOR
17.29.95% CI (3.95. 13.44)] and those who use technologies like printer lAOR 2.18,95% CI
(1.19, 3.97)J and Voice recognition software [AOR 2.25,95% CI (1.12,4.50)] were found to be
EMR users in the past. Majority of the participants responded that major barrier for not using the
system were lack of training on the EMR, Lack of basic computer training, Lack of their
specialty related template, Lack of support from management, frequent system outage and lack
of quick support, resistance from staff, unable to learn the system due to work load, concern to
patient privacy and those who believe there is no need for EMR.
Conclusion & recommendation: currently Electronic Medical Record(EMR) System
implementation is failed in hospitals under Addis Ababa regional health bureau. Federal Ministry
of Health is planning to start second phase of EMR implementation as of this budget year. We
would like to recommend that as per the findings of this study working on major barriers as
perceived by users of the system will help to maintain its continuity in the future.
........................................ Thesis available at ACIPH Library