Causes of EHR projects stalling or failing: A study of EHR projects in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are designed to automatically collect, store, and retrieve patients' information from healthcare providers within an organization. They assist clinicians in deciding the future course of treatment. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the practices of Electronic Health Record (EHR) project managers regarding the causes of EHR projects getting stalled or failing in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Three focus groups were identified across three main cities of Saudi Arabia, namely Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam during the years 2013 and 2014. Each group consisted of 10-15 experienced EHR project managers. Qualitative analysis consisted of immersion and crystallization to develop a coding scheme that included both preconceived and emergent themes.

Results and conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the difficulties, which ensue between EHR and project management practice as well as the issues that can arise from the common use of these terms. It highlights how the aims of an EHR project and its management are transformed, and how the reputation of the project management is to achieve the exact and short-term objectives associated with the comprehensive aims of an EHR project.

Keywords: Close-out phase; Electronic Health Record; Electronic Medical Record; Implementation phase; Inception phase; Preparation phase; Project management; Tendering phase.