Adoption of an Integrated Cloud-Based Electronic Medical Record System at Public Healthcare Facilities in Free-State, South Africa

Abstract

Access to a patient's medical history at the right time can significantly improve the ability of health practitioners to render effective healthcare services. Health facilities in developing countries often lack this capability due to reliance on manual records. The emerging cloud computing model offers an opportunity to cost-effectively share and exchange selected patient records among healthcare facilities. However, the extent to which Free State public healthcare facilities are willing to embrace a shared cloud platform is unclear. This study investigated this issue using a cross-sectional survey involving thirty-one public healthcare facilities spread across five administrative districts of the Free State Province, South Africa. Results showed that most public healthcare facilities still utilize paper-based systems with some form of IT to record basic patient details. Results also revealed that relative advantage, security concern, top management support and organization readiness are the most significant factors that could influence the decision to adopt.