The role of centralised project management approach on the implementation of large-scale Electronic Health Record systems: A Mixed-methods study

Abstract

Abstract Background: In the last three decades, the Electronic Health Records Systems (EHRS) become on the top priorities of policymakers globally. Nowadays, EHRS reform is fast becoming a priority in developed countries. The introduction of EHRS in Saudi healthcare organisations is considered one of the highest priorities of the policymakers. Saudi Arabian e-health strategy pays reasonable attention to the EHRS implementation project. According to the Saudi vision 2030 E-health transformation will be on top if IT projects in the country. However, an estimation of 50% of EHRS implementation have failed. Project leadership and type of project management have been found to be crucial components of effective EHRS implementation Aim of the study: To evaluate the role of Centralised Project Management (CPM) on the implementation of large-scale EHRS in PHCs in SA. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach involving a survey and semi-structured qualitative interview methods were utilised. Results: Thirty-nine (75%) out of 53 policymakers at the Saudi Ministry of Health completed the survey while 14 policymakers were interviewed. Findings from both illustrated that adopting centralised project management approaches to implementation was beneficial in facilitating large-scale EHRs implementation and helped to overcome barriers that may have otherwise led to the failure of the project. Electronic Health Record System interoperability and software selection were the factors that centralised project management influenced most positively.