Assessment of the Readiness of the Hospitals Affiliated to ShirazUniversity of Medical Sciences for Implementation of ElectronicHealth Record Based on the California Academy of FamilyPhysicians Tool: A case study in Iran

Introduction: a correct understanding of the level of readiness is the key to success inimplementing an electronic health record. the aim of this study was to assess the readiness ofthe hospitals affiliated to shiraz university of medical sciences for implementing electronichealth records based on the tools of the california academy of family physicians tool.methods: this descriptive-applied study was performed in 2021 in six hospitals of shirazuniversity of medical sciences equipped with hospital information system in iran. data werecollected through interviews with managers, information technology experts, and hospitalinformation system experts through checklists in 5 areas of management, finance and budget,operational, technology, and organizational alignment.results: the results showed that in the assessment of general readiness, nemazi hospital with38% and amir hospital with 37% readiness were more suitable and moderately preparedthan other hospitals in moving towards the implementation of electronic health records, andthe rest of the hospitals did not have the necessary readiness. in management, finance andbudget, and operational capacity, most hospitals were in a weak position between 10% -30%and were not ready at all.conclusion: according to the results, it is recommended that measures such as leadershipmeasures, participation and support of managers, recruitment of information technologyspecialists, budget allocation, justification of return investment, continuing educationprograms, user participation, and process support should be taken to increase the mentionedcapabilities and readiness of hospitals in the implementation of electronic health records.