A scoping review of acceptance and utilization of electronic health records among healthcare professionals in Ghana

Abstract

Globally, high-income countries have made significant strides in the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This review aimed to map existing evidence on factors influencing the acceptance and utilisation of EHRs among healthcare professionals in Ghana. The review followed the scoping review framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, and Dimensions AI, with additional searches performed on Google Scholar and in institutional repositories. The search included both peer-reviewed and grey literature, and the reference lists of eligible studies were screened for additional sources. The final search was conducted in March 2025. Studies were assessed against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction was performed using a standardized form. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key trends in EHR utilization and acceptance. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, revealing considerable regional variation. In the Ashanti Region, acceptance ranged from 50% to 86%. In the Northern Region, acceptance increased from 54.9% to 97%, alongside 77% user satisfaction. The Savannah and Eastern Regions reported acceptance levels of 58.1% and 59%, respectively. High levels of utilization were reported in Ashanti at 89% and 86.8%, while markedly lower rates of 23.3% and 8% underscored intra-regional disparities. Challenges to adoption included technical challenges, unreliable internet connectivity, financial constraints, inadequate training, and policy gaps. Conversely, protective factors such as supportive workplace environments, system usability, and user experience contributed to higher acceptance and sustained utilisation. Strengthening technical infrastructure, enhancing workforce training, and implementing clear policies can help improve the long-term effectiveness of EHR systems. Future efforts should focus on optimizing system usability, increasing institutional support, and fostering a positive user experience to enhance EHR integration and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes.

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