CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) represent a significant evolution in healthcare. This marks a departure from traditional paper-based records towards a digital and more integrated approach to managing patient information. EHRs systematically collect health-related information on patients that is stored in a digital format that is accessible across different healthcare settings. These records encompass a wide range of data pertinent to the well-being of patients, including their medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal statistics like age and weight, and billing information (Reza, Prieto, & Julien, 2020; Taksler et al., 2021; Wang, Zhao, Dang, Zheng, & Dong, 2020). The primary purpose of EHRs is to ensure that accurate and complete patient health information is available promptly, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions, provide efficient care, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of their patients (Li et al., 2020; Tanwar, Parekh, & Evans, 2020).

The transition to EHRs has been propelled by the potential to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes significantly. EHRs facilitate the seamless exchange of patient information among healthcare providers, contributing to a more coordinated and patient-centred approach to care. By providing healthcare professionals with immediate access to comprehensive patient information, EHRs enhance the ability to diagnose diseases accurately, reduce medical errors, and ensure that patients receive appropriate treatments promptly. Furthermore, EHRs support public health initiatives by aggregating and analyzing patient data, aiding disease surveillance, and advancing population health research (Colombo, Oderkirk, & Slawomirski, 2020; Hohman, 2023; Wood et al., 2021).

Studying the impact of EHRs on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes is paramount. It offers insights into the benefits and challenges of implementing digital health records, including how they influence the efficiency of healthcare services, the quality of patient care, and the safety of clinical practices. The examination of EHRs' impact also sheds light on areas requiring improvement, such as interoperability, patient data privacy, and the usability of EHR systems. Through this analysis, stakeholders can identify strategies to optimize the use of EHRs, enhancing their potential to transform healthcare systems globally.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The concept of digitizing patient records dates back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the first instances of computerized medical records emerging in large academic medical centres. These early systems were primarily used for storing patient information and managing billing rather than for comprehensive patient care. However, they laid the groundwork for developing more sophisticated EHR systems (Adler-Milstein, Zhao, Willard-Grace, Knox, & Grumbach, 2020; Argenziano et al., 2020; Koopman et al., 2021; Lorkowski & Pokorski, 2022). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the focus shifted towards developing systems that could support clinical decision-making, document patient encounters, and manage medication orders. The real momentum for EHR adoption came in the early 21st century, driven by government initiatives and policies in several countries that recognized the potential of EHRs to improve healthcare quality and efficiency (Delaney, Weaver, Sensmeier, Pruinelli, & Weber, 2022). For instance, the United States government's Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 provided significant incentives for adopting and meaningful use of EHRs, leading to a substantial increase in their adoption across the healthcare sector (Delaney et al., 2022; Keshta & Odeh, 2021; Shi et al., 2020; Yuan, Li, & Wu, 2021).

1.3 Justification of the Study

Several critical technological advancements have facilitated the widespread adoption of EHRs. The rise of the internet and improvements in data storage and computing power have made it feasible to store and manage large volumes of health information. Cloud computing has enabled more flexible and scalable EHR systems, allowing for easier access to patient records by authorized personnel from virtually any location. Additionally, advancements in data security technologies have helped to address concerns about the privacy and security of sensitive health information. Interoperability standards, such as Health Level 7 (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), have been developed to enable the exchange of healthcare information across different EHR systems and healthcare providers, promoting more coordinated and integrated care (Gulden et al., 2021; Strasberg et al., 2021; Vorisek et al., 2022).

1.4 Aims and Objectives of the Study

The aimed of this study is to assess important of electronic health record in healthcare facility in general hospital, Babura Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

1.4.1 Objective of the Study

The aim of this research can be achieved by the following objectives;

Ø  To evaluate how the adoption of EHRs has transformed healthcare delivery, focusing on efficiency, quality of care, and healthcare collaboration.

Ø  To analyze the effects of EHRs on patient outcomes, including safety, engagement, and the overall health of populations.

Ø  To identify and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with EHR implementation and use, providing a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks of digital health records in contemporary healthcare.

By addressing these objectives, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of EHRs in healthcare, highlighting their impact, potential, and the critical issues that must be addressed to realize their full benefits for healthcare providers and patients.

The journey towards developing and implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has been pivotal in the evolution of healthcare systems worldwide. This transition from paper-based records to digital platforms marks a significant milestone in pursuing more efficient, accurate, and comprehensive healthcare delivery

1.5 Research Question

Ø  Reduced Errors: EHRs help minimize medical errors by providing clear, legible clinical notes, real-time access to patient data, and clinical decision support systems.

Ø  Accurate Information: They ensure that patient data is up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans.

Ø  Patient Safety: EHRs facilitate the prevention of adverse events by promoting better communication and information sharing among healthcare teams.

Ø  Streamlined Processes: EHR systems automate tasks, making healthcare professionals' work easier, saving time, and reducing the need for manual record-keeping.

Ø  Improved Communication: They promote effective, seamless communication and collaboration among providers and across departments.

Ø  Data Accessibility: All authorized healthcare providers can access patient information instantly and from various locations, ensuring consistent care.

1.6 Significant of the Study

Globally, the integration of EHRs into healthcare systems varies significantly by region, influenced by factors such as government policies, healthcare infrastructure, and the availability of resources. In many developed countries, EHR adoption rates are high, and these systems have become a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, supporting a wide range of functions from clinical documentation to patient engagement and population health management. For instance, in Europe, countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have achieved near-universal EHR adoption, heavily supported by national healthcare IT strategies.

In contrast, in developing countries, the integration of EHRs is often more challenging due to limited resources, infrastructure constraints, and varying levels of government support. However, there is a growing recognition of the potential benefits of EHRs in these regions, and efforts are underway to increase adoption, often with the support of international organizations and partnerships.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. Interoperability between different EHR systems and healthcare providers is a significant issue worldwide, impacting the seamless exchange of patient information. Additionally, there is an ongoing need to balance the benefits of EHRs with concerns about patient privacy and data security. The current state of EHR integration reflects a healthcare landscape in transition, moving towards more connected, data-driven, and patient-centered care. While significant progress has been made, the journey of EHR development and implementation continues, driven by technological advancements, policy initiatives, and the ongoing pursuit of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes globally (Colombo et al., 2020; Faulkenberry, Luberti, & Craig, 2022; Serbanati, 2020).

The adoption of Electronic Health Records has profoundly impacted healthcare delivery, touching on every aspect, from efficiency and productivity to the quality of care and interdisciplinary collaboration. This comprehensive integration of digital records into the healthcare system has streamlined administrative and clinical processes and significantly enhanced patient care delivery.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will be conducted at Babura General Hospital, Jigawa State, Nigeria. It will focus on Electronic Health Record (EHR) includes all information contained in a traditional health record including a patient’s health profile, behavioral and environmental information. The EHR also includes the time, which allows for the inclusion of information across multiple episodes and providers, which will ultimately evolve into a lifetime record. This type of system would require a computer program that captures data at the time and place where healthcare is provided, whether at a hospital (or) primary care level over an extended period of time. It would enable healthcare information, such as a person’s allergies, recent test results or prescribing history to be readily available at all times to assist with decisions on diagnoses, treatment and medication at all levels of healthcare. Ideally it should reflect the entire health history of an individual across his/her lifetime including data from multiple providers from a variety of healthcare settings.

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed parameters in electronic health record

Ø  Contain all personal health information of an individual patient, from the patient’s first

admission/ attendance at the hospital

Ø  Be entered electronically by healthcare providers at the point of care over the patient’s lifetime

Ø  Information readily available and accessed by all healthcare providers attending to the patient.

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