DIGITIZATION OF MEDICAL RECORDS: IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL GOMBE

Purpose: This study investigated the digitization of medical records with particular reference to its implementation and impact on healthcare delivery in Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. The study adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Utilization of Technology. Design/Method/Approach: The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey method to collect data by using a checklist and questionnaire. The simple random sampling technique was employed to select the sample. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, yielding a sample size of three hundred and six (306). Findings: The findings from the study revealed that the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe uses a variety of electronic medical record (EMR) facilities such as document scanners, cloud storage, Switft practice EMR for the digitization of medical records. The findings also showed that the staff of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, are confident, comfortable, and knowledgeable in using EMR equipment, and also revealed that digitization of medical records has a great impact on healthcare delivery in the institution under study. Institutional factors such as poorly designed interfaces, lack of technical expertise, and erratic power supply are factors militating against the implementation of digital electronic records. Therefore, the research recommended, among others, that Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe should focus on fully integrating all aspects of its EMR system, and the management should schedule training programs to enhance staff proficiency, particularly in advanced EMR tools and software. Originality/Value: Electronic Medical Record adoption at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe has significantly improved healthcare delivery by enhancing information exchange and patientcentered care Implication: Electronic Medical Record adoption has streamlined record-keeping, improved clinical workflows, facilitated prescriptions, and enhanced collaborative care, reducing hospital remissions and increasing patient satisfaction. Despite these benefits, challenges such as poor interface design, high costs, lack of interconnectivity, and medical staff resistance were identified. Keywords: Digitization, Medical Records, Implementation, Impact, Healthcare Delivery