KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN NATIONAL EAR CARE CENTRE, KADUNA

Abstract

Background: Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have the potential to revolutionize
healthcare delivery by improving efficiency, patient safety, and data management. However,
the successful implementation and utilization of EMRs depend on healthcare professionals'
knowledge, attitude, and perception towards this technology. This study aimed to assess the
knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare professionals regarding EMRs at the National
Ear Care Center (NECC) in Kaduna, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals, including
doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied healthcare staff, working at NECC. A structured
questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge
of EMRs, attitude towards their implementation, and perceptions of their benefits and
challenges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 109 healthcare professionals participated in the study, with a response rate
of 83.9%. The majority of respondents (92.6%) had a high level of knowledge about EMRs,
while only 7.2% had a low level of knowledge. Regarding attitude, 65% of participants
expressed a positive attitude towards the implementation of EMRs in NECC. However,
concerns were raised that healthcare workers prefer paper based type than EMR (75.3%) due
to the potential for privacy breaches. Perceived benefits of EMRs included increased work
productivity (92.6%), enhanced patient care and safety (87.2%), and it enables tasks to be
accomplished more quickly (85.3%).
Conclusion: The study found a positive attitude towards EMR implementation among
healthcare professionals at NECC, but highlighted the need for education and training.
Concerns were raised about EMRs negatively impacting doctor-patient relationships,
suggesting strategies for maintaining strong communication and patient-centered approaches
to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency.