Electronic Health Record System for Health Service Delivery in Central Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study assesses the Lightwave Hospital Information Management System for health service delivery in the Central Region of Ghana. The Theory of Planned Behaviour, Technology Acceptance Model, and the ISO Usability Framework underpinned the study. The study design adopted was cross-sectional and phenomenology. The survey recruited 1126 health professionals and 30 Unit Heads for the qualitative interviews from 10 healthcare facilities that utilised the LHIMS. Data was analysed using SPSS v26, and Amos v26. Weighted Averages (3.44 – 3.88) indicated that respondents found the LHIMS effective, efficient, and satisfied using the LHIMS for service delivery. Health professionals' satisfaction with the use of the LHIMS was significantly influenced by variables such as work experience (OR=0.563, 95% CI=0.415-0.763), status of training (OR=0.652, 95% CI=0.454-0.937), training duration (OR=0.606, 95% CI=0.416-0.883), and computer proficiency (OR=0.767, 95% CI=0.588-1.00). Structural Equation Modelling showed a significant positive association between satisfaction and efficiency (b=0.120, s.e. =0.030, p=0.000), effectiveness and satisfaction (b=0.254, s.e.=0.031, p=0.000), and effectiveness and efficiency (b=0.118, s.e.=0.034, p=0.001). Also, results from the qualitative revealed technology, technical, and human-related challenges associated with using the LHIMS. Despite these bottlenecks, the study concludes that LHIMS has positively enhanced healthcare delivery in Ghana, particularly improving service efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction which significantly contributes to progress towards attaining Goal 3 of the SDGs and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).