Electronic Health Record Adoption and Sustainability in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals: A Literature Review

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@article{1722539,
      author = {Ogbonna Mary Aina, Oluwatuyi Mayowa Funmilayo, Oluwafemi Toyin Mary},
      title = {Electronic Health Record Adoption and Sustainability in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals: A Literature Review},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {2},
      pages = {3807-3816},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722539.pdf},
      abstract = {Electronic Health Records (EHRs) represent a transformative innovation in healthcare, digitizing patient data to enhance efficiency, safety, and care coordination. Despite their proven benefits, the adoption rate of EHRs in Nigeria remains significantly low, estimated at approximately 18%, a stark contrast to developed nations. This literature review explores the current landscape of EHR adoption and sustainability in Nigerian teaching hospitals, identifying key facilitators, barriers, and their implications. Drawing from recent peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2026, this paper synthesizes findings related to technological infrastructure, human resource capacity, policy frameworks, and financial considerations. Major findings indicate that unreliable electricity, limited internet penetration, inadequate training, and financial constraints are primary impediments to effective EHR implementation. Furthermore, issues such as resistance to change, concerns about data privacy, and the absence of a unified national framework contribute to the slow adoption. The review concludes by highlighting critical research gaps and proposing recommendations for sustainable EHR integration, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure, comprehensive training programs, supportive policies, and innovative funding models to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.},
      keywords = {electronic health records; adoption; sustainability; Nigerian teaching hospitals; health informatics; barriers; facilitators},
      month = {August},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722539}
  }