Assessment of the Readiness of the Hospitals Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for Implementation of Electronic Health Record Based on the California Academy of Family Physicians Tool: A case study in Iran

Introduction: A correct understanding of the level of readiness is the key to success in implementing an electronic health record. The aim of this study was to assess the readiness of the hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for implementing electronic health records based on the tools of the California Academy of Family Physicians tool. Methods: This descriptive-applied study was performed in 2021 in six hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences equipped with hospital information system in Iran. Data were collected through interviews with managers, information technology experts, and hospital information system experts through checklists in 5 areas of management, finance and budget, operational, technology, and organizational alignment. Results: The results showed that in the assessment of general readiness, Nemazi hospital with 38% and Amir hospital with 37% readiness were more suitable and moderately prepared than other hospitals in moving towards the implementation of electronic health records, and the rest of the hospitals did not have the necessary readiness. In management, finance and budget, and operational capacity, most hospitals were in a weak position between 10% -30% and were not ready at all. Conclusion: According to the results, it is recommended that measures such as leadership measures, participation and support of managers, recruitment of information technology specialists, budget allocation, justification of return investment, continuing education programs, user participation, and process support should be taken to increase the mentioned capabilities and readiness of hospitals in the implementation of electronic health records.