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.
