Attitude of healthcare workers towards the use of the virtual electronic medical record system at Ithembalabantu Clinic, Durban.

Abstract

Successful implementation of electronic medical record systems (EMRs) can result in many benefits. This study conceptualized a model to investigate the predictors influencing the use of the Virtual Electronic Medical Record (VEMR) system. The Theory of Reasoned Action was adopted to investigate healthcare workers’ attitudes and behaviours toward the use of the VEMR system at Ithembalabantu clinic. The model guided in measuring the attitude of healthcare workers towards the use of the VEMR system at Ithembalabantu clinic, Durban by conducting observation and interview schedules. Thirty (30) responses were obtained from the employees who were exposed to the use of the VEMR system where narrative qualitative technique was used to analyze the results. The individual attitude toward the use of the system, the subjective norms and the intention behaviour were found to be significant predators of the actual usage of the VEMR system. System benefits and user satisfaction were found to hypothetically lead to the continuance intention to use the system. As a result of this study, healthcare facilities will be better placed to understand the insights of healthcare workers regarding the adoption of the VEMR system and how those come to influence their usage behaviours.