Análisis de la eficiencia de los sistemas de información en la optimización de recursos en Hospital General de Machala

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic hospital information systems are a vital step towards the worldwide modernization of health services. The objective of this study was to measure the effectiveness of the MIS-AS400 system implemented at Machala General Hospital in optimizing the use of resources and in assisting managerial decision-taking. Theoretical Framework: In Ecuador, these systems have had a slower adoption than in the United States and Canada; however, in spite of having a regulatory framework that supports it, there are difficulties in the use of these systems: the interoperation between them and the training of the professional staff in charge. Method: The study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. The universe was composed of 76 out-patient physicians; 48 were chosen - 63.2 % accepted to participate. The dimensions used to measure adequacy of the EHR were: usability, promptness, security of information, technical support, and resource utilization. With respect to the statistics, descriptive analysis was used to calculate frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Ethical dimensions such as informed consent and privacy were considered. Results: Dimension of usability: 79 % rated navigation and interface as very well. With respect to response-time, 85 % of respondents indicated that patient records and modules loaded quickly. Data quality 50 % perceived the quality of the information as good, 40 % were neutral; technical support 54 % reported a neutral perception. Finally, 80 % agreed that MIS-AS400 paper use and care time are decreased. Conclusions and Recommendations: Despite the fact that, MIS-AS400 as regard usability and response time is considered efficient there are weak areas related to others as those mentioned that need to be cured in order to achieve better performance. Technical support, as well as restructuring of the platform and new training were suggested.