Electronic medical records in Myanmar: user perceptions at Marie Stopes International clinics in Myanmar

Using paper-based records to store patient data is common in a developing country like Myanmar. Implementing electronic medical records (EMR) can have a significant impact on the efficiency and quality of patient care. In this paper, potential users’ perceptions around an EMR system was obtained via qualitative interviews conducted with clinic staff from a non-governmental healthcare provider, Marie Stopes International Myanmar (MSI-M). Users’ prospective concerns included the extra workload and training required during the transition stage, accessibility and confidentiality of data held under the new system, and the provision of technical support and the suitability of current infrastructure. Generally, respondents regarded EMR favorably, with expectations of knowledge gains from training, and for facilitating their routine work when accessing, retrieving, and reviewing patient data. The findings represent the perceptions and acceptability relating to EMR by clinic staff in an international non-governmental organization operating in Myanmar