IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS ON HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have emerged as a crucial digital tool for improving
healthcare service delivery by facilitating the efficient management of patient data, reducing
medical errors, and enhancing clinical decision-making. In Nigeria, the adoption of EHRs is
gradually increasing, but challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited technical
expertise, and data security concerns continue to hinder their full potential. This study provides
an overview of the impact of EHRs on healthcare service delivery in Nigeria, focusing on their
role in patient data management, clinical efficiency, quality of care, and overall health system
performance. The review revealed that EHRs improve accuracy, accessibility, and timeliness of
patient information, supporting better diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care. However,
challenges such as poor ICT infrastructure, high implementation costs, resistance to change
among healthcare workers, and concerns about data privacy limit effective adoption. Despite
these challenges, the implementation of EHRs in Nigeria has demonstrated significant potential
in enhancing healthcare quality, reducing errors, and promoting evidence-based medical
practices. Their successful adoption requires addressing infrastructural, human resource, and
policy-related barriers. To maximize the benefits of EHRs, it is recommended that healthcare
facilities strengthen ICT infrastructure, provide continuous training for healthcare professionals,
ensure robust data security measures, promote standardization and interoperability of systems,
and encourage government support through funding and policy frameworks