Perceived critical success factors of electronic health record system implementation in a dental clinic context: An organisational management perspective

Background

Electronic health records (EHR) make health care more efficient. They improve the quality of care by making patients’ medical history more accessible. However, little is known about the factors contributing to the successful EHR implementation in dental clinics.

Objectives

This article aims to identify the perceived critical success factors of EHR system implementation in a dental clinic context.

Methods

We used Grounded Theory to analyse data collected in the context of Brunei’s national EHR − the Healthcare Information and Management System (Bru-HIMS). Data analysis followed the stages of open, axial and selective coding.

Results

Six perceived critical success factors emerged: usability of the system, emergent behaviours, requirements analysis, training, change management, and project organisation. The study identified a mismatch between end-users and product owner/vendor perspectives.

Discussion

Workflow changes were significant challenges to clinicians’ confident use, particularly as the system offered limited modularity and configurability. Recommendations are made for all the parties involved in healthcare information systems implementation to manage the change process by agreeing system goals and functionalities through wider consensual debate, and participated supporting strategies realised through common commitment.