| Why EHR (Perceived benefit) |
| Improve data quality, security and accessibility |
44 |
“if the databases are well managed evidence based solution are quick to find because the data is readily available” |
| “timely reporting, monitoring patients outcomes and just a click away for data sharing, analysis and interpretation” |
| “paper work gets lost ad makes the place untidy but when you use soft copy patients information will be kept safe” |
| Improve coordination, communication and consultation |
22 |
”EHR will improve inter departmental communication which reduces patient review time” |
| Save time |
20 |
“It will shorten the turnaround time for example receiving lab results, images as sometimes there are delays in picking” |
| "because everyone is doing it" |
16 |
“As technology advances we definitely need to move with the tide” |
| “EHR is strongly recommended and encouraged in many facilities; in fact most private facilities have implemented it” |
| Improve accountability and stock management |
6 |
“I have seen different hospitals greatly manage their stock using this system. This is a big institution with many patients; this move will ease work in my unit through controlling the way drugs move in and out of our unit, knowing the previous diagnosis and drugs issued out” |
| Save money/resources |
3 |
“There has been long term use of paper records. With limited resources for recording materials [and] increasing number of clients, this makes me feel the organization is ready to adapt to EHR” |
| Reduce errors |
2 |
“..since each medical personnel will easily access the patient's information, errors will also be minimized” |
| Action points/ Key considerations |
| Training—initial and ongoing |
30 |
"In order for the EHR system to be successful staff need to be trained and familiarised with the [system]" |
| Advocacy and sensitization, particularly seniors or managers |
28 |
"some senior staff who would support the implementation of the EHR change still have negative attitude towards the need for change. Also, I think people have fear that they may lose their jobs if they implement EHR" |
| Lack of computer skills |
16 |
"Some staffs have low computer skills so using a computer effectively is not easy" |
| Under-staffing |
14 |
"But before introducing it on the ward let them first think of staff because we cannot be 2 nurses on day duty 1 nurse on evening and night shift and you think I will be in position to enter the information in the computer" |
| Strategic implementation process |
12 |
“It will require a careful, coordinated roll out … over months to years…” |
| “Let our leaders in the department be involved when some of this technology is being planned for” |
| IT infrastructure |
12 |
“EHR needs a lot of (infra) structural support–reliable power, trustworthy backups and trust of data safety in the IT” |
| “In our unit we have only one computer” |
| Organizational conflicts and inertia |
7 |
“There is a lot of ground politics and sticking on policies. Negative attitude of groups or individuals about new technology, at times people have to be dragged into it to appreciate changes” |
| “There is conflict of top managers which hinders the use of EHR–some say use paper work and others electronic” |
| Funding |
4 |
“I think our organization is not yet ready to implement EHR due to financial constraints” |
| Other competing priorities |
3 |
“I think there are more basic issues to be addressed first e.g. timely investigation results, chemotherapy and antibiotic availability, blood products and stationery” |
| Space for computers |
3 |
“Space for IT systems is lacking in the clinical areas” |
| Government policies |
1 |
“However, due to government policies there may be some delays in implementing things which would be of use to organizations” |
