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Improving the management of hypertension and diabetes: An implementation evaluation of an electronic medical record system in Nairobi County, Kenya

Oyugi, Boniface, Makunja, Sostine, Kabuti, Winfred, Nyongesa, Caroline, Schomburg, Martin, Kibe, Victor, Chege, Martha, Gathu, Susan, Wanyee, Steven, Sahal, Mohammed and others. (2020) Improving the management of hypertension and diabetes: An implementation evaluation of an electronic medical record system in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 141 . Article Number 104220. ISSN 1386-5056. (doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104220) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:99092)

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104220

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the implementation of a novel electronic medical record (EMR) system for management of non-communicable diseases (NCD) (hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM)) in health facilities in informal settlements in Nairobi. Questions of interest were on the use of, perception of the HCWs, and scalability and sustainability of the EMR system.

Method

The study utilised a descriptive and analytical implementation evaluation through a convergent parallel mixed-methods design in 33 health facilities in the informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. We carried out semi-structured interviews with the county and sub-county health management staff (n = 9), facility in-charges (n = 8), healthcare workers (HCW) (n = 35), and project staff (n = 7). Additionally, quantitative analysis, trend analysis, critical evaluation and costing were done. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVIVO while quantitative data were analysed using Excel and Stata software.

Results

The EMR system significantly improved data capture and management of HTN and DM patients. The system helped clinicians to adhere to treatment and management guidelines and in clinical decision making. Most HCWs had a positive attitude and perceptions about the EMR system, and it was a good initiative for improving the quality and standardisation of care. The data captured made it easier to generate health facility and clinics reports which were essential for planning and decision-making processes. A critical audit of the EMR system features showed adequate general design features (data elements, structure and organisation, ease of use, accessibility, interfaces, confidentiality, access limitation, accuracy and integrity).

Discussion

Use of the EMR helped in improving patients care. The technology not only enhanced assurance of patients’ information safety and availability but also supported in clinical decision making and standardisation of care. Successful implementation of the technology is dependent on positive perception and attitude of the HCWs. While the initial cost of setting and managing the EMR is high, future maintenance cost could be lower, making it sustainable in the long run. However, it is vital for future implementors to source for adequate funds to run it to completion if it is to achieve its objective.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104220
Projects: 1288-14
Uncontrolled keywords: Electronic medical record; Hypertension; Diabetes; Non-communicable diseases
Subjects: R Medicine
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: George Austin-Coskry
Date Deposited: 12 Dec 2022 13:52 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 13:04 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/99092 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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