Assessing the suitability of an individualized electronic health record management system (iehrms) for cardiovascular care

Abstract

This paper reports on a research study that aimed to obtain opinion on personalized electronic health record management systems for Cardiovascular Care Setting from two client points of view; medics and patients, concentrating on supposed benefits, patients empowerment and assisting patients in making the right choices. This study on IEHRMS was conducted between 7thApril 2016 to 30th September 2016. The methodological approach used was a client participatory design with an aggregate number of eighteen (18) members. (10 Patients with CVD and 8 Medical Experts (MEs). Quantitative and Qualitative research techniques were utilized. Twenty five (25) individuals were initially enlisted all dwelling in Eldoret town in Uasin Gishu County. Study participants were interviewed face-toface with semi-structured, written interviews. Based on research result, 83% of patients showed a high level of perceived support by the IEHRMS. In addition, an aggregate of fifteen (15) members (7 patients and 8 medics) would utilize the IEHRMS if they were enrolled. The essential advantages members saw were; instant sharing of medical reports by means of an email and SMS, patient empowerment and comprehensive information which shows advancement of ailments. Significant suggestions for enhancing the IEHRMS included: the implementation of chat room for patients and medics, contact list of medical specialist within particular locality as well as the overall design. This paper raises important insights that are significant to healthcare professionals as well as policy makers. It provides a clear perception on the necessity of having an interactive web portal endeavoring towards assisting patients in making heath related decisions as well as assisting medics provide support to patients seamlessly. The acknowledgment and readiness to utilize the IEHRMS underscores the potentiality of interactive electronic health record management systems in a developing country like Kenya. The viewpoints that must be considered for future IEHRMS advancement are utilization frequency, period (time) of use and specialized support. There is additionally a need to address barriers that might hinder its use like privacy issues, effect on patient time and users computing skills.