Understanding adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) during a health emergency: An analysis of EMR usage logs from rural health facilities in the Philippines
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8911
- Author:
Paulyn Jean Acacio-Claro
1
,
2
;
Maria Regina Justina E. Estuar
3
,
4
;
Dennis Andrew R. Villamor
3
,
4
;
Maria Cristina G. Bautista
5
;
Christian E. Pulmano
3
;
Quirino M. Sugon, Jr.
6
Author Information
1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
2. Unit of Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
3. Department of Information Systems and Computer Science, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
4. Ateneo Center for Computing Competency and Research, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
5. Graduate School of Business, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
6. Department of Physics, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
EMR;
Interaction
- MeSH:
Adoption
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2024;58(Early Access 2024):1-7
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background and Objective:The adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) in the Philippines has been initiated and adjusted since the last decade through the Philippine eHealth Agenda framework. EMRs are known to improve clinical management and have been widely adopted in advanced economies. However, empirical research on EMR implementation remains limited. This study aims to determine how public primary health care facilities in the country interacted with EMRs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand EMR adoption.
Methods:More than 270,000 records generated from EMR usage logs in six rural primary health facilities in Western Visayas were analyzed. Average time of EMR use during work hours was estimated and compared before and during the pandemic. EMR adoption based on specific EMR features used was also determined.
Results:In 2020, EMR use ranged from less than one hour to more than eight hours in selected rural health units (RHUs). There was a statistical increase and decrease in use of features during the pandemic. Some EMR users had efficient use indicated by complete adoption of EMR features although such features were not as frequently used as those pertaining to basic adoption.
Conclusion:This study demonstrates that for EMR use in rural settings, progressive use from basic to complete may vary among users. Public health emergencies such as a pandemic may also affect EMR use. Future research directions should explore other mechanisms which affect user behavior and encourage full adoption of technology such as use of games or non-monetary incentives.
- Full text:8911-Article Text-137704-1-10-20240103 (1).pdf
