Home⇛SALETTINIAN OPEN ACADEMIC REVIEW⇛vol. 8 no. 1 (2026)

Barriers, Readiness And Challenges Of Barangay Healthworkers (Bhws) In Utilizing Electronic Health Records Systems

Benedict B. Marquez

Discipline: social work

 

Abstract:

This study examined the relationship among perceived barriers, readiness, and challenges experienced by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the utilization of Electronic Health Records (EHRs at the barangay level. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving a survey administered to 96 BHWs and in-depth interviews with 20 selected participants. Quantitative analysis showed a significant negative correlation between perceived barriers and readiness (r = −0.55, p = 0.01). There was a weak, non-significant correlation between barriers and challenges (r = 0.16, p = 0.54) and a moderate negative relationship between readiness and challenges (r = −0.42, p = 0.07). Qualitative analysis revealed themes like hardware and infrastructure limitations, lack of clear operational protocols, and system design mismatches with barangay-level workflows. It also found differences in digital competencies among BHWs. The qualitative findings also described increasing familiarity with basic EHR tasks, openness to learning, and reliance on peer support, alongside challenges associated with balancing documentation with patient care, adapting to system updates, and maintaining parallel manual and digital records. The findings describe the conditions under which BHWs engaged with EHR systems, highlighting variations in readiness, experienced constraints, and operational difficulties within barangay health settings.



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