Abstract
Cancer is a major public health challenge in developing countries but the healthcare systems are not well prepared to deal with the epidemic. Health information technologies such as electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to improve cancer care yet their adoption remains low, in part due to EMR systems not meeting user requirements. This study aimed at analyzing the user requirements for an EMR for a cancer hospital in Uganda. A user-centered approach was taken, through focus group discussion and interviews with target end users to analyze workflow, challenges and wishes. Findings highlight the uniqueness of oncology in low-resource settings and the requirements including support for oncology-specific documentation, reuse of data for research and reporting, assistance with care coordination, computerized clinical decision support, and the need to meet the constraints in terms of technological infrastructure, stretched healthcare workforce and flexibility to allow variations and exceptions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1004-1013 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium |
| Volume | 2017 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Adult
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Attitude to Computers
- Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
- Developing Countries
- Electronic Health Records
- Female
- Focus Groups
- Humans
- Male
- Medical Oncology
- Medical Records Systems, Computerized
- Middle Aged
- Uganda
- Workflow