Need assessment and feasibility of electronic medical record system implementation in marie stopes international Myanmar / Win Min Thit

Abstract

Using paper-based records in patient care is common in developing countries like Myanmar. Implementing an Electronic Medical Record could help improve the quality of care. Having knowledge on current computer usage, ICT knowledge and user acceptance towards EMR system is of value in implementing such system. A mix-method cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 clinics, interviews were done at 11 clinics and the head office of Marie Stopes International Myanmar. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics of MSIM employees, availability of ICT at the clinics and the head office, their ICT knowledge and computer usage, and their acceptance towards the proposed system were collected by means of questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 18. User concerns and opinions on both current and proposed system were explored by using interviews. With the 93% response rate, the results indicated that computer usage relating to providing care and reporting is not widespread in clinics and ICT knowledge among regions varied. There were differences in perceived usefulness and intention to use among clinics and head office: "Intention to use EMR" was 4.1 on a scale of 5 and the median IT knowledge score was 7 out of 10. The results also suggested that there is a need to strengthen ICT infrastructure at MSIM and introduce a policy for capacity building. With adequate training and management support, the successful implementation of EMR is not far-fetched.