Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Jordan’s nationwide Electronic Health Record (EHR) program, “Hakeem,” aims to standardize patient data across the public healthcare sector. Despite substantial progress in adoption, implementation challenges—such as incomplete coverage, usability issues, and privacy concerns—persist, aligning with global EHR experiences. Objective: This mixed-methods study investigates the current status of Hakeem in public hospitals, examines perceived benefits versus ongoing barriers, and explores key drivers that may inform policy strategies for expanded adoption. Methods: A convergent parallel design was employed over one month. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (N = 68) of Jordanian adults to gauge familiarity with and attitudes toward EHRs. Qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews (n = 4) with public-hospital physicians in Amman, focusing on Hakeem’s day-to-day functionality, usability, and organizational impact. Results were analyzed independently using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, then integrated to compare convergence and divergence. Results: Survey respondents generally held positive views of EHRs, citing the potential to reduce medical errors and improve quality of care. Meanwhile, interviews revealed noticeable efficiency gains in practice but underscored infrastructure shortfalls—particularly in psychiatric and remote settings—as well as limited user training and occasional system lags. Participants reported privacy tensions in specialty care, where restricting sensitive data sometimes hampers care coordination. Conclusion: While Hakeem’s expansion has advanced Jordan’s digital health landscape, fragmented coverage and insufficient training remain sizable hurdles. Stronger policy support, targeted investment in technical infrastructure, and unified standards for private-sector integration may accelerate Hakeem’s capacity to optimize nationwide healthcare delivery.
Recommended Citation
Yu, Kai, "Implementation and Status of Electronic Health Records in Jordan: A Mixed-Methods Study" (2025). Jordan: Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East. 3.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/jor2/3