Determinants of healthcare providers satisfaction with electronic medical records system (EMRs) in public healthcare facilities in the Ashanti region of Ghana: A multicenter analytical cross-sectional survey

BackgroundElectronic medical record (EMR) systems are increasingly being adopted in low-and middle-income countries to improve healthcare delivery. User satisfaction is crucial for the effective utilisation and long-term sustainability of the system. Despite the scale-up of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) in Ghana, evidence on healthcare providers satisfaction remains limited. This study assessed satisfaction with LHIMS and determinants of satisfaction with the EMR among healthcare providers in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. MethodsA multicenter analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2024 in the Ashanti Region. Using multistage sampling, 438 healthcare providers were selected from three healthcare facilities with functional LHIMS. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire adapted from validated instruments and analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, with categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables as means with standard deviations, or medians with interquartile ranges, where appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of satisfaction, with results reported at a 5% significance level using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 33 years (SD = 5.7), and 66% were female. Most participants (94%) had received LHIMS training, half (50%) reported adequate access to computers, and 53% had low eHealth literacy. Regarding perceived system qualities, 57.5% rated usability as good, and 50.3% rated system quality as good. Overall, 57% (95% CI: 52-62%) of participants were satisfied with LHIMS. Multivariable analysis showed that satisfaction was independently associated with good perceived information quality (AOR = 3.50, 95% CI: 2.10-5.85), good system quality (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.38-3.78), adequate computer access (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23-3.45), good system usability (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.20-3.19), and high eHealth literacy (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05-2.89). ConclusionSatisfaction with LHIMS was moderate, influenced by both system-related and user-related factors. Strengthening information and system quality, enhancing usability, expanding computer access, and improving eHealth literacy are essential to optimising provider satisfaction and sustaining EMR use in Ghana.