Cited by 106Electronic Health Records SystemsMedical Coding and Health InformationICT in Developing Communities

Benefits and challenges of EMR implementations in low resource settings: a state-of-the-art review

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Jawhari, Badeia, Ludwick, Dave, Keenan, Louanne, Zakus, David, Hayward, Robert·2016·BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The intent of this review is to discover the types of inquiry and range of objectives and outcomes addressed in studies of the impacts of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementations in limited resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: A state-of-the-art review characterized relevant publications from bibliographic databases and grey literature repositories through systematic searching, concept-mapping, relevance and quality filter optimization, methods and outcomes categorization and key article analysis. RESULTS: From an initial population of 749 domain articles published before February 2015, 32 passed context and methods filters to merit full-text analysis. Relevant literature was classified by type (e.g., secondary, primary), design (e.g., case series, intervention), focus (e.g., processes, outcomes) and context (e.g., location, organization). A conceptual framework of EMR implementation determinants (systems, people, processes, products) was developed to represent current knowledge about the effects of EMRs in resource-constrained settings and to facilitate comparisons with studies in other contexts. DISCUSSION: This review provides an overall impression of the types and content of health informatics articles about EMR implementations in sub-Saharan Africa. Little is known about the unique effects of EMR efforts in slum settings. The available reports emphasize the complexity and impact of social considerations, outweighing product and system limitations. Summative guides and implementation toolkits were not found but could help EMR implementers. CONCLUSION: The future of EMR implementation in sub-Saharan Africa is promising. This review reveals various examples and gaps in understanding how EMR implementations unfold in resource-constrained settings; and opportunities for new inquiry about how to improve deployments in those contexts.

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  • Problems that arise when integrating electronic medical records in LMICs, such as limited funding, poor infrastructure, and discontinuous user participation, are likely to also hinder AI applications.

    “Many of the challenges faced by integrating electronic medical records in LMICs, for example, are likely to also impede AI applications, including limited funding, poor infrastructure for reliably delivering technologies, and discontinuous participation from users (12).”

    From Artificial intelligence for global health (2019) · cites this paper as [12]

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  1. [22]Talisuna S. Electronic medical records and same-day patient tracing improves clinic efficiency and adherence to appointments in a community-based HIV/AIDS care program in Uganda [abstract]. 7th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence, 2012. Accessed 7 Jan 2015.

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Authors
Jawhari, B., Ludwick, D., Keenan, L., Zakus, D., & Hayward, R.
Affiliations
  • University of Alberta (CA)
  • Toronto Metropolitan University (CA)
Corresponding author
Jawhari, Badeia
Venue
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
Published
2016-09-06
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
116-116
ISSN
1472-6947 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2510765898
Cited by
106
References
39
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 6
FWCI
1.61
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Mitacs
  • Innovative Canadians for Change
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Medical Coding and Health Information
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › ICT in Developing Communities
Keywords
electronic health records, EMR implementation, resource-limited settings, sub-Saharan Africa, health informatics, implementation factors, conceptual framework, implementation toolkit, resource-constrained healthcare
MeSH terms
Humans, Africa South of the Sahara, Electronic Health Records

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