Evaluating the impact of electronic medical records on healthcare digitalization efforts in Oromia, Ethiopia: A qualitative study.

Background: In Oromia, Ethiopia, the process of digitalization is being hindered by the underutilization and inadequate understanding of electronic medical records (EMRs) systems among healthcare professionals. This is impeding the expected advancement of digitalization. Objective: To look at how EMR affects to digitalize healthcare initiatives, find obstacles, and ways to overcome them, make workflow more efficient, and increase patient happiness through digitalization. Method: The study employed a qualitative case study methodology, which involved observations and interviews with medical staff. Data was analyzed using Maximum Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA 2020) for content analysis. Results: This study highlights four key thematic areas: knowledge assessment or EMR proficiency (such as awareness creation, skills, and training were low), under-utilized EMR technologies, possible advantages, and obstacles to implementation. Even though there are several opportunities for the systems to progress toward full-scale implementation, the lack of thorough knowledge assessment led to implementation issues. Despite their limited proficiency, many users recognize its benefits and remain interested in using it. Nevertheless, they are skeptical about its long-term sustainability. Conclusions: All participants fully supported the benefits of digitalization of healthcare through the use EMR and perceived positively. They expressed concerns about its continuity. Further studies on system, information, and service qualities are needed to improve overall health system digitalization process in Oromia, Ethiopia. Implications: It requires institutional dedication, security concerns, and direct policy interventions to reduce the obstacles that hinder the development of developing countries.