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E-Health Systems and Service Delivery Efficiency in Ghana: Assessing the Role of Electronic Health Records (EHR) In Improving Service Delivery Outcomes - A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Yao Belinda Yeboah

    (Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School)

  • â Roger Ayimbillah Atinga

    (Department of Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School)

Abstract

This systematic literature review assesses the role of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in improving healthcare service delivery efficiency in Ghana. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science was conducted, yielding 24 empirical studies published between 2008 and 2026. Thematic analysis identified eleven interrelated themes, including perceived benefits, implementation barriers, user acceptance, training, infrastructure constraints, data security, policy support, interoperability, change management, financial sustainability, and patient engagement. Findings indicate that EHR systems positively impact healthcare efficiency by reducing patient waiting times, improving workflow processes, enhancing data accuracy, and supporting timely clinical decisions. However, these benefits are unevenly realised due to persistent challenges such as unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, inadequate technical support, limited staff digital literacy, and weak interoperability. Organisational factors, including leadership commitment, continuous training, and sustainable funding, critically determine adoption and long-term system performance. The study concludes that while EHRs are essential tools for modernising healthcare delivery, their effectiveness in Ghana depends on coordinated investments in infrastructure, capacity building, governance, and context-sensitive implementation strategies. Recommendations include a national digital health policy, enforced interoperability standards, sustained facility-level funding, and embedded digital health training for all healthcare workers. This review provides evidence-based insights to guide policy decisions and improve EHR implementation outcomes in low-resource settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao Belinda Yeboah & â Roger Ayimbillah Atinga, 2026. "E-Health Systems and Service Delivery Efficiency in Ghana: Assessing the Role of Electronic Health Records (EHR) In Improving Service Delivery Outcomes - A Systematic Literature Review," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(4), pages 4286-4303, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:4:p:4286-4303
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shapiro, J.S. & Mostashari, F. & Hripcsak, G. & Soulakis, N. & Kuperman, G., 2011. "Using health information exchange to improve public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(4), pages 616-623.
    2. Benjamin Cook & Geoffrey Wayne & Anne Valentine & Anna Lessios & Ethan Yeh, 2013. "Revisiting the evidence on health and health care disparities among the Roma: a systematic review 2003–2012," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 58(6), pages 885-911, December.
    3. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    4. Abdul-Fatawu Abdulai & Fuseini Adam, 2020. "Health providers’ readiness for electronic health records adoption: A cross-sectional study of two hospitals in northern Ghana," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(6), pages 1-11, June.
    5. Augustina Mensa-Kwao & Ingrid Sub Cuc & Tessa Concepcion & Christopher G Kemp & Matthew Hughsam & Moitreyee Sinha & Pamela Y Collins, 2024. "A mixed methods analysis of youth mental health intervention feasibility and acceptability in a North American city: Perspectives from Seattle, Washington," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(3), pages 1-21, March.
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