PERCEIVED BENEFITS OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS ON HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN HO MUNICIPALITY, GHANA
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Abstract
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have been introduced in Ghanaian public health facilities to address inefficiencies associated with paper-based documentation systems. This study assessed the perceived benefits of EHR implementation on healthcare delivery in Ho Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January and March 2020 among 334 healthcare professionals from three public health facilities. Data were collected using a structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). The instrument demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84). Data were analysed using SPSS version 21 using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Agreement represented the combined responses of “Agree” and “Strongly Agree.” Respondents reported improved customer service (84.2%), reduced billing and National Health Insurance Scheme claims processing time (90.5%), increased productivity (80.0%), improved data security (90.4%), and reduced duplication of patient records (86.7%). The findings suggest notable perceived operational and administrative benefits associated with EHR use. Sustained infrastructure investment, system optimization, and continuous user training are recommended to enhance long-term impact.
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