Electronic Health Record in developing countries

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Developing countries are poor countries with low standards of living, industrialization and technology but trying to be more advanced in these capabilities. Implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in these countries is very important because of the low health status, but at the same time many challenges may face its implementation.

Introduction [3]

Millions of people in developing countries die due to lack of health care infrastructure, shortage of well trained health professionals. People also suffer from distribution of infectious diseases due to poor implementation of public health and lack of access to health information. The implementation of e-health and specially EHR may helps improving and enhancing healthcare in theses countries.

Challenges facing the implementation of EHR [1, 2]

Health care infrastructure and financial constrains

Infrastructure needs large investments, funding, but in developing countries such investments aren’t available. Governments in such countries can’t fund health care infrastructure.

Health care expertises

High salaries offered by developed countries attract health care expertises and this cause shortage of workforce in developing countries.

Training facilities

Training is very important in the area of IT, and developing countries lack many technological advances.

Barriers to language

EHR is designed in English language and can’t‎ be implemented in nonEnglish speaking regions.

Connectivity

Connectivity is unstable and poor and this may adversely affect the download process. Wireless connection between health organizations is lacking.


References

  1. Electronic Medical Records: A Review Comparing the Challenges in Developed and Developing Countries - Proceedings of the 41st Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences – 2008 - Page 248
  2. A review on barriers to implementing health informatics developing countries - Mugdha R Oak
  3. Implementing electronic medical record systems in developing countries

Hamish SF Fraser MBChB MSc, Paul Biondich MD MS, Deshen Moodley MSc, Sharon Choi MS, Burke W Mamlin MD, Peter Szolovits.

Submitted by (Radwa Bayoumi)