Utilization of electronic health records and associated factors among nurses in a faith-based teaching hospital, Ilishan, Nigeria

Abstract Introduction It has been documented that nurses’ use of electronic health records (EHRs) impacts clients’ health outcomes positively. Some health facilities, primarily privately owned institutions, introduced EHRs for optimal healthcare. Evidence of such and associated factors among nurses must be documented to improve utilization and quality. Objective The study assessed the utilization of EHRs and associated factors among nurses in a faith-based teaching hospital. Materials and Methods This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study involved a sample of all 240 nurses from a teaching hospital where EHRs have been introduced. Quantitative data through semistructured questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Chi-square and logistic regression. Qualitative data were collected from 10 purposively selected nurses using an in-depth interview guide and analyzed through content analysis. Results The majority of participants reported availability of EHR computer software (62.8%), internet facility (84.2%), and desktops (76.3%), but EHR was poorly utilized (27.3%). Factors significantly associated were nurses who were females [OR (odds ratio) = 1.5, 95% CI (confidence interval), 0.21–11.24], BNSc degrees holders [OR = 4.3; 95% CI, 1.06–17.43]; had computer EHR software [OR = 7.4, 95% CI, 0.83–3.81], and sponsored EHR training [OR = 2.10; 95% CI, 0.24–18.6]. Noncapturing of nursing tasks and nursing standardized language by EHR software, lack of institutional enforcement on EHR use, and absence of clear EHR policies were the main identified themes for the key barriers to using EHRs. Conclusion EHR was poorly utilized among nurses. Gender, educational qualification, EHR resources, and sponsored training were factors significantly associated with the use. There is an urgent need for comprehensive EHR packages, sustained sponsored training, and formulation of EHR policy for effective EHR implementation. Lay Summary Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital records of health information containing all the information that is in a paper chart. EHR includes past medical history, vital signs, progress notes, diagnoses, medications, immunization dates, allergies, laboratory data, and imaging reports. EHRs enable the provision and sharing of accurate, up-to-date, and complete health information about patients at the point of care with other health professionals for more coordinated and efficient care. Despite the potential of EHRs for providing better car