Electronic medical records: the effect of information, communication and technology on the quality of medical records, in African Air Rescue Clinics, Kenya.

Abstract

Introduction: In busy health facilities, substantial medical records are generated daily, posing a problem for timely retrieval, prompt decision-making, and the possibility of medical errors. ICT promises to help resolve most of these issues but little research exists to demonstrate its efficacy. This study goes to demonstrate the effect of ICT on the quality of Electronic Medical Records Broad objectives: To determine the effect of ICT on the quality of medical records in African Air Rescue (AAR) Clinics, in Nairobi Kenya. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study, assessing the effect of ICT on the quality of Medical Records. A sample of all electronic medical records within AAR was evaluated against the set standards governing quality of medical records. A sample of all HCWs handling these records was also assessed to ascertain whether their knowledge, attitudes and practices affect the quality of these records. Statistical analysis of both the quantitative and qualitative data was performed using SPSS. Results: The EMR in use was able to support administrative tasks such and clinical management functions. There was 100% ability of the system to make lab orders, prescriptions and schedule appointments electronically. 88% of HCWs reported retrieval of records in less than 1 minute, and 73% of HCWs reported that lab results retrieval in less than 5 minutes. Some human factors such as employment status, increased age and previous EMR use of the Health Care Workers had statistical significance on the quality of EMRs. Conclusion: This study showed that computerization of medical records does improve their quality by meeting most of the set standards that EMRs must meet to ensure quality of such records, however some human factors do affect the quality of such records.