ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF AN INDIVIDUALIZED ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IEHRMS) FOR CARDIOVASCULAR CARE SETTING: A PILOT STUDY RACECOURSE HOSPITAL, ELDORET, KENYA
Dadiaus Momanyi Misiani - Master of Science in Applied Computing, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
This paper reports on a research study that aims to obtain feedback on personalized electronic health record management systems for Cardiovascular Care Setting from two user perspectives (patients and medical professionals), focusing on patient empowerment, decision aid, and the perceived benefits. The study on the IEHRMS was conducted as from 18th July 2016. The methodological approach followed a user-participatory design with a total number of 18 participants (10 patients with CVD and 8 medical professionals (MPs). Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. 25 people were initially recruited all residing in Eldoret. Study participants were interviewed face-to-face with semi-structured, written interviews. Patients indicated a high degree of perceived support by the IEHRMS. In total, 7 of patients and 8 of MPs would use the IEHRMS if access were provided. The primary benefits participants perceived were instant sharing of medical reports via an email and SMS, empowerment in health-related decisions and comprehensive insights into the progress of the disease. Major recommendations for improving the IEHRMS encompassed: the implementation of a chat room for patients and medics, contact list of medical specialists within particular locality as well as the overall design. This paper raises imperative insights that are significant to healthcare professionals as well as policy makers. It provides a clear perception on an interactive and needs-oriented web portal, striving towards empowerment and assistance in decision making for patients as well as medical practitioner within the sphere of caring for patients with CVD. The acceptance and willingness to use the IEHRMS emphasizes the potential of interactive electronic health records management systems in a developing country like Kenya.
