The utilization of health information among healthcare providers: A systematic review

Abstract

Given the increasing emphasis on evidence-based healthcare, the utilization of health information has been postulated to lead to improved healthcare quality and outcomes. Unfortunately, a paucity of research in this domain, coupled with the need for an up-to-date view, calls for an updated review of existing evidence to guide healthcare practices, policies, and systems. This paper systematically reviews studies addressing the use of health information among healthcare providers. More studies are needed to better understand healthcare utilization of health information. Greater efforts are needed to advance health information use in this sector. While the extant studies face a lack of theoretical basis for analysis, levels of health information utilization were found to vary across settings, locations, and health professionals. Healthcare facilities, healthcare policymakers, and researchers should prioritize enhancing health information utilization in line with local realities. This study urges healthcare systems to assess and correct any deficiencies in the utilization of health information. The integration of health information systems warrants standardized technology implementation. One hundred and sixteen studies, fifteen of which covered inpatient care, forty-three in primary healthcare, and twenty-one in rehabilitation, were included in the final review. Of the included studies, most were conducted in high-income countries.