Electronic health records model to improve the quality of patients’ healthcare

Abstract

Background: Electronic health records (EHR) has been acknowledged for bringing down healthcare costs and enhancing hospital service standards.

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop an EHR model to lower patient treatment costs and enhance healthcare quality in South African public healthcare.

Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional quantitative methodology was used. The research data for this study were provided by medical healthcare professionals, at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH). This included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, and radiographers who completed a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: The final model’s findings show that the use of EHR significantly improves information quality (IQ) and positively influences medical errors reduction (MER). Knowledge quality (KQ) has a positive significant impact on MER, whereas IQ has a considerable negative impact on MER. Furthermore, cost reduction in patient treatment (CRPT) has a positive significant influence on MER.

Conclusion: Patients obtain better medical care when medical professionals have access to complete and accurate information. Medical errors can be reduced or even prevented with the use of EHRs, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

Contribution: The quality of patient care at South African public hospitals and in other developing countries can be enhanced by using this framework as a guide to reduce treatment costs.