AWARENESS, USE OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY IN FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, OWO, ONDO STATE.

The research focused on Awareness, Use of Electronic Health Records and Effectiveness in Healthcare service delivery in Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo state. The study assessed the level of awareness of health care professionals on electronic health records, level of use of EHR management, the impact of usage of electronic health usage of electronic health records in effectiveness of healthcare and the challenges of electronic health records usage in Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo state. The study adopted descriptive research design and a stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents because of its capability to separate the population elements. A total of 290 questionnaires were administered, 280 were retrieved and analysed giving 96.6% response rate. Data were coded and analysed with the use of Statistical Product Service Solution (SPSS) version 21. The findings of the study show that the respondents had a high level of awareness of EHR, including its terminologies, data confidentiality, and legal implications, largely gained through formal training. Most professionals actively use the EHR system and find it user-friendly, efficient for documentation, and helpful in-patient communication. The EHR system is widely seen as enhancing workflow, interdepartmental communication, information sharing, and decision-making. However, key challenges affecting optimal EHR usage include poor internet connectivity, insufficient technical expertise, unstable power supply, high maintenance costs, inadequate training, data security concerns, and lack of interoperability. The study concluded that while there is a strong awareness and positive perception of EHR among healthcare workers at FMC, Owo, several infrastructural and operational challenges limit its full potential. Thus, it was recommended that Government and hospital management should invest in stable internet, power infrastructure and continuous training to support uninterrupted EHR usage.