An Assessment of Nurses' Challenges in Using Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems in Kano State Hospitals
- Project Research
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- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems have transformed healthcare delivery worldwide, streamlining patient data management, improving the efficiency of care, and enhancing communication among healthcare providers (Ibrahim & Bello, 2023). In Nigeria, many hospitals, including those in Kano State, have adopted EHR systems to digitize patient records and reduce the risks associated with paper-based records. While the adoption of EHR systems is progressing, healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, often face numerous challenges in using these systems effectively (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2023).
Nurses are the primary users of EHR systems in many healthcare settings, responsible for inputting, updating, and retrieving patient data. However, challenges such as inadequate training, poor system design, and technological limitations can hinder their ability to use EHR systems efficiently, which may negatively affect patient care and healthcare outcomes (Sani & Zubair, 2024). In Kano State, where healthcare resources are already limited, the effective use of EHR systems is vital to improving the quality and continuity of care. However, there has been limited research on the specific challenges nurses face in using EHR systems in Kano State hospitals.
This study aims to assess the challenges nurses face in using EHR systems in Kano State hospitals and to propose solutions to overcome these challenges for more effective use of EHR in improving healthcare delivery.
Statement of the Problem
While the implementation of EHR systems in Kano State hospitals is underway, nurses face numerous challenges, including inadequate training, insufficient technical support, and lack of familiarity with system features. These barriers can affect the efficiency and accuracy of patient record-keeping, potentially compromising the quality of patient care. Without understanding and addressing these challenges, the full potential of EHR systems cannot be realized in Kano State’s healthcare settings.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the challenges nurses face in using EHR systems in Kano State hospitals.
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To evaluate the impact of these challenges on patient care and nursing practice.
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To recommend strategies to improve nurses' ability to use EHR systems effectively in Kano State hospitals.
Research Questions
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What challenges do nurses face in using EHR systems in Kano State hospitals?
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How do these challenges impact patient care and nursing practice in Kano State hospitals?
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What strategies can improve the effective use of EHR systems by nurses in Kano State hospitals?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses in Kano State hospitals face significant challenges in using EHR systems.
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The challenges faced by nurses in using EHR systems negatively affect patient care and nursing practice in Kano State hospitals.
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Addressing the challenges will improve the effective use of EHR systems by nurses in Kano State hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in hospitals in Kano State and their use of EHR systems. Limitations may include limited access to data due to system security policies and potential resistance from staff members to share difficulties with EHR use.
Definitions of Terms
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Electronic Health Records (EHR): A digital version of a patient’s paper chart, which includes detailed health information, medical history, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
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Nurse’s Challenges: Barriers that hinder nurses' effective use of technology in patient care, including training deficits, system design issues, and technical limitations.
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Patient Care: The range of services provided by healthcare professionals to maintain or improve the health and well-being of patients.
