A conceptual model for the implementation of mobile electronic health records (mehr) system in Namibia

Abstract

The study aimed to develop a conceptual model for the implementation of mobile Elec-tronic Health Record (mEHR) systems in Namibia, aimed at enhancing health information management and ensuring continuity of care for healthcare providers and decision-mak-ers. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, consisting of three phases. In Phase 1, an integrated literature review was conducted using the PRISMA-P guidelines. Data were extracted using a structured template and analysed qualitatively through thematic synthesis. Phase 2 involved a structured questionnaire targeting soft-ware developers, network providers, healthcare providers, and healthcare decision-mak-ers in Namibia. Data were analysed quantitatively through descriptive and inferential statistics which in-cluded multivariate logistic analysis and Chi-square tests analysis. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 was used. Data from both phases were integrated. In Phase 3, a conceptual model for the implementation of mEHR systems in Namibia was developed and validated by experts in nursing, healthcare providers, net-work providers and software developers using a modified Delphi technique. Findings showed that the adoption of mobile mEHR systems in Namibia presented an op-portunity for improving healthcare delivery through efficient communication, client data management and tracking, and precise data capturing. The study confirmed that there was an opportunity for mEHR adoption in Namibia as healthcare providers, software develop-ers, and network service providers showed positive attitudes and receptivity towards mHealth. The proposed model was grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and provided a practical framework for mEHR adop-tion in Namibia. Future research should evaluate this model in other Low and Middle-In-come Countries (LMICs) and examine its effect on policy integration and continuity of care.