Electronic health record (ehr) adoption in South African healthcare centres: a case of NW province

Abstract

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enable the healthcare sector to enjoy increased efficiency and throughput, whilst cutting overhead costs in healthcare centres. The aim of this study was to investigate the adoption of EHRs in South Africa by identifying the factors that influence their rate of adoption within healthcare institutions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model 2, (TAM2) are used as the theoretical lenses through which this problem was viewed. Results showed support for some of the factors of TPB, TAM2 and DoI, namely Relative Advantage, Output Quality, Result Demonstrability, Computer Self-Efficacy, System Complexity and Enjoyment/Job Satisfaction. A new variable – Patient Safety Endangerment – was also found to have a significant influence on the healthcare worker’s decision to use a particular EHR. It is with this information that a better understanding of how EHRs are used in the North West Province can be established and this information can be used by decision makers when implementing similar systems to maximise their adoption.