Physicians’ Perceptions of, and Satisfaction with, Electronic Medical Record Systems in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: This study explores physicians’ perceptions and satisfaction with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems in resource-limited healthcare settings, addressing a critical gap in research. It identifies key factors essential for optimizing EMR adoption and enhancing healthcare delivery. Methods: This study employed a facility-based mixed-method cross-sectional study comprising a quantitative survey of 249 physicians at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), sampled through stratified random sampling techniques, with thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews of eight physicians, selected using criterion and stratified purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using both binary and multivariable logistic regression, and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The study reveals that 91% of physicians experience workflow disruptions due to EMR system use. Despite this, physicians were satisfied with efficiency gains associated with EMR systems, with 65.8% noticing improvements in their efficiency and 50.6% reporting reduced workloads. 78.7% of physicians expressed satisfaction with workflow integration. EMR communication tools were rated positively, with 92.0% satisfied with integration. Overall, 79.5% of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) physicians are satisfied with the implemented EMR system, with factors such as ease of use, integration, confidence in navigation, sufficient technical support, and perceived effectiveness in facilitating patient care across departments affecting satisfaction. The qualitative study also highlighted the following themes: a disconnect between system functionality and resource availability, usability and functionality gaps affecting workflow, inadequate training and support, data security and privacy concerns, and mixed perceptions of the EMR system’s impact on patient care benefits and challenges. Conclusions: The study shows that while the EMR system at SPHMMC has a mixed perception among physicians, it has generally satisfied them, and this supports a multifaceted approach to enhance physician satisfaction and optimize EMR utilization at SPHMMC. This includes enhancing system usability, providing comprehensive training, ensuring readily available technical support, improving workflow integration, and strengthening data security measures.