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E-Thesis 302 views

Exploring the factors that affect the acceptance and use of Electronic Health Records amongst secondary care staff in Kuwait: A mixed- methods study / NASER ALBAZZAZ

Swansea University Author: NASER ALBAZZAZ

  • E-Thesis – open access under embargo until: 25th October 2025

DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.61747

Abstract

Background: Despite investments into healthcare reform and health information technology (HIT), Kuwait has not fully utilised Electronic Health Records (EHR) in the public secondary care sector. As a result, adoption and maturity levels vary. Aims: The present study aimed (1) to evaluate the accepta...

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Published: Swansea 2022
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
Supervisor: Croxall, Jodie ; Healy, Melanie
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61747
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Abstract: Background: Despite investments into healthcare reform and health information technology (HIT), Kuwait has not fully utilised Electronic Health Records (EHR) in the public secondary care sector. As a result, adoption and maturity levels vary. Aims: The present study aimed (1) to evaluate the acceptance of EHR in public sec-ondary care hospitals in Kuwait, (2) to explore experiences and perceptions of EHR, (3) to understand barriers to the EHR, (4) to devise potential strategies to enhance user acceptance.Methods: In order to address the aims, the research has adopted a mixed-methods design utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative study was conducted as an online survey of 399 Healthcare professionals in six public hospitals in Kuwait. It used the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM 2) questionnaire to collect data. The qualitative study consisted of two phases. Phase one data were collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty healthcare professionals in three public hospitals. Phase two consisted of three semi-structured interviews with health care leadership in non-government secondary care sites that had already im-plemented EHR successfully.Results and findings: The TAM 2 survey found overall negative user attitudes. Per-ceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness both predicted Intention to Use. How-ever, user perceptions demonstrated that HCPs trusted in EHRs to improve quality of care, reduce clinical errors and save time. Furthermore, HCPs experienced a lack of interoperability, information technology (IT) infrastructure, resources, and a lack of organisational cohesion and teamwork as barriers to EHR adoption and use. In addi-tion to that, interviewees expressed concerns about the safety and privacy of patient data. Conclusion: The evidence underscores the importance of strategic managerial investment into EHR adoption and use in Kuwaiti secondary care public hospitals. The study identified a need for better IT infrastructure, more appropriate staff training and monitoring of EHR implementation and use as strategies to enhance user acceptance.
Keywords: Electronic Health Record, Gulf region, Kuwait, Health Care Management, Technology Acceptance
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences