Challenges Faced by The Public Health Facilities in Adopting Electronic Medical Records in Kenya a Case of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the challenges faced by health care providers in adopting and using electronic medical records (EMR) in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. The specific objectives were to establish current usage of EMR in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, determine factors that affect usage of EMR technology and determine the challenges faced by healthcare providers in adopting and using EMR. Descriptive research design was used. The study targeted a population of 221 members of the medical staff of Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital with a sample size of 30%. The data was collected using interviews and questionnaires, and SPSS version 23 was the data analysis tool. It was based on both descriptive and inferential analysis. The data was presented through tables, pie charts, and graphs. The study indicated that 81% of the respondents have EMR systems in their department, with 52% as hybrid systems and 29% fully electronic. It was also established that Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital has invested in IT infrastructure for EMR Systems to a large extent, represented by 48% of the respondents. The study recommended strategies to help enhance the uptake of EMR, such as training of staff on the usage of EMR, advocacy forums on the advantages of EMR adoption, and regular provision of technical personnel to maintain, repair, and upgrade the systems. Another recommendation was that similar studies be conducted in private hospitals within Nairobi County.