Electronic medical record use and associated factors among healthcare professionals at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia: A mixed-method study

Background: Despite the significant benefits of digital health technologies (ITs), developing countries are lagging behind their developed counterparts in the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) in a healthcare setting. EMRs have long been considered essential elements in improving the quality of healthcare. However, the rate of utilization of EMRs among healthcare providers still remains low, particularly in developing countries.

Objective: This study aimed at exploring EMR use and its determinants among healthcare providers at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 health professionals working at public health facilities supplemented with an exploratory qualitative study in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Descriptive summary statistics and binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to explore the determinant factors of EMR use, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.

Results: Overall, about a quarter (26.6%) of health professionals were using electronic medical records. A work experience of 6 years or less [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.15–4.31]], a discussion on EMR (AOR = 14.47; 95% CI: [5.58–7.57]), the presence of an EMR manual (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: [1.28–7.38]), and a positive attitude toward the EMR system (AOR = 11.15; 95% CI: [4.90–25.36]) and service quality (AOR = 8.02; 95% CI: [4.09–15.72]) were independent determinants of EMR use. Poor collaboration among stakeholders and dependence on the software programs of NGOs were the main challenges cited by key informants.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that EMR use by health professionals in the study area is very low. Several organizational, technical, and behavioral factors were identified for this low utilization. Therefore, there is a need to leverage EMRs through continuous technical support and commitment to enhance its use, which has the potential to improve health service performance. Developing locally applicable EMR software should be considered.