ABSTRACT
Objectives@#This study assessed the technical feasibility and aimed to determine the factors influencing intention to use Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) at Marie Stopes International, Myanmar (MSI-M). @*Methods@#A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 112 participants who were working at the clinics and head office of MSI-M. Demographic information, type of office, technical feasibility, information communication technology knowledge, computer usage, and user acceptance towards the proposed system were obtained from the participants. @*Results@#The results indicated low health information technology usage and network availability at MSI-M clinics. Positive perception of EMRs was found among the staff members of MSI-M, which was reflected by positive responses regarding perceived usefulness (average score of 4.15), perceived ease of use (average score of 4.03), and intention to use (average score of 4.10) on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistically, staff from the head office expressed less desire to implement an EMR system (odds ratio = 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.97), especially when they do not perceive the usefulness of the system (odds ratio = 5.05; 95% confidence interval, 2.39–10.69). @*Conclusions@#Since health information technology usage and network availability were low in MSI-M, it is important to strengthen the information and communication technology infrastructure and introduce a policy for capacity building at MSI-M. Adequate training and strong leadership support are recommended for the successful initial implementation and sustainability of an EMR system at MSI-M.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To overcome challenges in the implementation of electronic dental record systems in a low-resource setting, it is crucial to know the level of users’ satisfaction with the existing system of paper-based dental records and their perceptions of electronic dental records. METHODS: A cross-sectional paper-based questionnaire survey was conducted among Myanmar dental professionals who worked in one of two teaching hospitals or in private dental clinics. Descriptive data were analyzed and regression analysis was carried out to identify factors influencing perceptions of electronic dental records. RESULTS: Most dental professionals (>60%) were satisfied with just three out of six aspects of paper-based dental records (familiarity, flexibility, and portability). In addition, generalized positive perceptions were found among decision makers towards electronic dental records, and 86% of dentists indicated that they were willing to use them. Financial concerns were identified as the most important barrier to the implementation of electronic dental records among dentists who were not willing to use the proposed system. CONCLUSIONS: The first step towards implementing electronic dental records in Myanmar should be improvement of the content and structure of paper-based dental records, especially in private dental clinics. Utilization of appropriate open-source electronic dental record software in private dental clinics is recommended to address perceived issues around financial barriers. For the long term, we recommend providing further education and training in health informatics to healthcare professionals to facilitate the efficient use of electronic dental record software in Myanmar in the future.
Subject(s)
Humans , Delivery of Health Care , Dental Clinics , Dental Records , Dentists , Education , Hospitals, Teaching , Informatics , Myanmar , PliabilityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the physical properties of a novel resin-based endodontic sealer, Any-Seal, in comparison with AH Plus Jet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flow, radiopacity and compressive strength were examined according to ISO 6876/2001. For flow test, 0.05 mL of sealer was placed between glass plate and 100 g weight were applied. Ten minutes after mixing the sealers, the load was removed and the diameters of the compressed sealer discs were measured. For radiopacity, 10 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness sample were fabricated and took radiograph with an aluminum step-wedge and analyzed using imaging program. For compressive strength test, 4 mm × 6 mm cylindrical specimen was fabricated and tested after 24 hours and 1 week using Universal testing machine. RESULTS: Both tested sealers were consistent with ISO 6876/2001 in the flow and radiopacity test. The flow values of both sealers were not significantly different (P > 0.05). AH Plus Jet had significantly higher radiopacity (P < 0.05). AH Plus Jet showed higher compressive strength at both time intervals (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Any-Seal showed low compressive strength until after 1 week, so its physical and biological aspect should be evaluated more before clinical use.