Electronic Medical Record System utilization and associated factors among health professionals in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background Electronic Medical Record Systems (EMRS) improve healthcare quality, continuity, efficiency, and patient safety by replacing paper-based records with digital systems. However, EMRS utilization remains suboptimal in many resource-limited settings. This study assessed the level of EMRS utilization and identified factors associated with its utilization among health professionals at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10 to 30, 2025, among health professionals at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. A total of 422 participants were selected using simple random sampling with proportional allocation by profession. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire via Kobo Toolbox, entered into EpiData version 4.6, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable model. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results Of the 422 selected health professionals, 410 participated (response rate: 97.2%). EMRS utilization was 88.0%. Male sex (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.13–4.51), more than two years of experience using EMRS (AOR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.59–6.92), part-time employment in private hospitals (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.03–5.18), departmental enforcement of EMRS use (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.04–4.04), favorable attitude toward EMRS (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.05–4.68), and good knowledge of EMRS (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.05–10.13) were significantly associated with EMRS utilization. Conclusion EMRS utilization was high among health professionals at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Good knowledge, favorable attitude, longer EMRS experience, departmental enforcement, part-time employment in private hospitals, and male sex were significantly associated with EMRS utilization. Continuous training, technical support, and institutional enforcement may further improve EMRS utilization.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Health Services Research, 2026 · DOI ↗