Assessing patterns, facilitators, and barriers of electronic documentation among nurses in the postnatal ward at Dodoma regional referral hospital: A mixed methods study in Dodoma

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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Dodoma
Abstract
Background: Electronic documentation, which involves computerized systems for managing patient information, is of global importance in healthcare, impacting the continuity of care, decision-making, and resource allocation. Despite its widespread adoption, nursing professionals face barriers, including limited knowledge, experience, resources, and motivation for system utilization. This study examines electronic documentation patterns, facilitators, and barriers among nurses at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania. Objective: Assessing the pattern, facilitators, and barriers of electronic documentation on decision-making among nurses in the postnatal ward at Dodoma regional referral hospital. Methods: This mixed-methods study employed a concurrent triangulation design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative observation involved the use of a checklist, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews using an interview guide. The data used was from January to June; eight electronic documentation items were assessed for each component. Quantitative data involved the collection of 400 secondary data points from the electronic health management system, analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage), and presented in tables. Qualitative data was examined through thematic analysis based on interviews with eight nurses in the postnatal ward. Results: The study found that when assessing the implementation of electronic documentation, all seven components had high documentation rates for social demographic data related to postnatal women. However, other components had lower documentation rates, and some data was completely absent in electronic documentation. Nurses identified facilitators such as time-saving electronic health systems and easy access to patient data. Conversely, barriers included resource shortages, workload, lack of training, and technical issues. Notably, the highest observation rate was for social demographic data at 88.4; 4.7 (11.1,100), while labor records had lower observation rates across all components. Conclusion: This study highlights the use of electronic documentation in nursing, revealing that while completeness rates are high, satisfaction with electronic documentation falls short in other aspects. Facilitators include improved task efficiency, quick access to patient data, and data utilization for reports. However, barriers such as resource shortages, heavy workloads, and limited knowledge hinder electronic documentation adoption among nurses in postnatal wards.
Description
Dissertation ( MSc. Nursing Education)
Keywords
Electronic documentation, Nurses barriers, Postnatal care, Nurses documentation, Quality of care
Citation
Mrema, M. C. (2023). Assessing patterns, facilitators, and barriers of electronic documentation among nurses in the postnatal ward at Dodoma regional referral hospital: A mixed methods study in Dodoma (Master's Dissertation) The University of Dodoma