Baubau — Digital transformation in healthcare is starting to show tangible results. A recent study by La Didi, Rahmawati, and Arni Maruju from Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University, Baubau, published in 2026, found that the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) at Wajo Health Center in Baubau City has improved healthcare efficiency, accelerated patient services, and enhanced data management. The findings highlight the growing importance of digital systems in strengthening public health services.
For years, manual medical record systems have been a major challenge in many healthcare facilities. Stacks of paper files, slow data retrieval, the risk of losing patient records, and recording errors have often affected service quality. In busy healthcare settings, these issues can delay patient care and reduce efficiency.
Indonesia has officially mandated the transition to digital medical records through the Ministry of Health Regulation No. 24 of 2022. This policy encourages healthcare institutions to move toward faster, safer, and more integrated digital systems. Wajo Health Center in Baubau is one of the facilities actively implementing this transformation.
The study used a qualitative case-study approach, involving interviews with the health center head, doctors, nurses, administrative officers, system operators, and medical record staff. Researchers also conducted direct observations and reviewed service documentation to assess how EMR policies were implemented in daily healthcare operations.
The findings reveal that EMR systems are now integrated into almost every stage of healthcare services, from patient registration and medical examinations to diagnosis input and reporting. This has significantly improved the speed of retrieving patient information compared to the previous manual system.
La Didi from Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University explained that EMR implementation has transformed service management. He noted that digitalization not only simplifies documentation but also makes patient data more organized and easier to access when needed.
Despite these benefits, the study also identified several challenges. One of the most significant is limited human resources. The number of healthcare workers and administrative staff is still insufficient to handle the increasing workload brought by digital systems. During peak service hours, some units must even share computer devices because of limited equipment.
Another challenge lies in digital literacy. Not all healthcare workers are equally comfortable using the system, especially when software updates introduce new features. This suggests that successful digital transformation requires not only technology but also continuous staff training and capacity building.
Communication has played an important role in supporting the policy. Training sessions, coordination meetings, leadership briefings, and WhatsApp groups have been used to share information about system changes. While this approach helps speed up communication, some staff still struggle to fully understand technical updates.
On the positive side, most healthcare workers now show strong acceptance of the EMR system. Although some initially resisted because they felt it increased their workload, many now recognize its benefits, such as faster access to patient data, better organization, and reduced risk of lost records.
The bureaucratic structure at the health center has also supported implementation through clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and task divisions. However, coordination between service units remains a challenge, especially during high patient volumes or mass health service events.
Rahmawati from Dayanu Ikhsanuddin University emphasized that the success of EMR systems depends on a balance between technology, human resources, and effective communication. She stressed that digital systems can only work optimally when supported by proper training and strong infrastructure.
More broadly, the findings suggest that healthcare digitalization is no longer just a technological trend but an urgent necessity for improving public health services. If challenges such as limited infrastructure, staff capacity, and coordination issues can be addressed, EMR systems could become the backbone of modern healthcare in Indonesia.
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