Evaluation of Electronic Health Record Systems in Federal Medical Centres: A Study of Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, Benue State

The implementation of electronic health record systems in Nigerian federal medical facilities represents a foundational step towards integrated healthcare data management, yet evaluation evidence regarding system effectiveness and user satisfaction remains limited. This study evaluates the electronic health record system in use at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria. An evaluation framework adapted from the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model was applied, assessing system quality, information quality, service quality, system use, user satisfaction, and net benefits. A survey of 110 clinical and administrative staff combined with structured observation of EHR utilisation in outpatient departments was conducted over eight weeks. Results indicate that while system quality ratings are moderate, information quality scores are significantly lower due to incomplete patient record migration from paper files. User satisfaction is negatively affected by slow system response times during peak clinic hours, attributed to inadequate server capacity relative to user load. Clinicians in the specialist units reported more positive system experiences than general outpatient staff, suggesting a training and support disparity. The study recommends server infrastructure upgrades, a phased historical record digitisation programme, and refresher EHR training targeted at outpatient department staff. Keywords: electronic health record, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, DeLone McLean model, health informatics.