Electronic Medical Records in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Analysis of the current situation and recommendations for the Region

Abstract

At the invitation of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Strengthening Health Information Systems [Red Latinoamericana y del Caribe para el Fortalecimiento de los Sistemas de Información de Salud (RELACSIS)], a group of 200 people registered in a virtual forum and held discussions on the situation of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. This report is aimed at documenting the feedback posted by the participants on the network virtual platform. To analyze the content generated by participants, thematic qualitative analysis techniques were used. The importance of having a record on the EMR adoption level in the Region, including accurate and updated data, emerged as an important factor. Participants recommended increased human resource training, with a focus on EMRs’ associated benefits and risks to improve health information systems. Topics such as EMR organizational aspects and the importance of strategic planning, engagement of all stakeholders, working with interdisciplinary teams and managing change effectively were also discussed, as well as the relevance of having a regulatory framework to enable or foster EMR adoption. Confidentiality and safety of sensitive information was regarded as another factor to be considered. Topics related to the interaction of end-users with the systems also emerged, namely: interface design, the complexity of introducing diagnoses and the use of classifications lists versus the use of terminologies to better reflect users’ needs. Participants also described the use of interoperability standards and the sharing of documents describing successful experiences of EMR implementation worldwide as very significant factors related to EMR success in the Region.