  Previous studies have shown that health information technologies have a
positive impact on health systems. Electronic health record (EHR) systems are
one of the most promising applications, demonstrating a positive effect in high
income countries. On the other hand, robust evidence for low and middle income
countries is still spare. The aim of this study is to initiate a carefully
planned nationwide EHR system in Vietnam by assessing the core readiness. The
assessment structure is mainly based on previous research, which recommends a
readiness assessment prior to to an EHR system implementation. To collect data,
participant observation, document analysis and an in-depth interview were used.
This study has revealed new insights into the current situation on EHR in
Vietnam. The Ministry of Health is currently working on improving the
conditions for future implementation of a Vietnamese EHR system. There are
issues with the current way of handling health records. These issues are
encouraging the Ministry of Health to work on identifying the next steps for an
EHR system implementation. The integration of an EHR system with current
systems seems to be challenging as most systems are commercial, closed source
and very likely have no standardised interface. In conclusion, this study
identifies points which need to be further investigated prior to an
implementation. Generally, health care workers show good awareness of new
technologies. As the Vietnam's health care system is centrally organised, there
is the possibility for a nation-wide implementation. This could have a positive
impact on the health care system, however, besides rigours planning also
standards need to be followed and common interfaces implemented. Finally, this
assessment has focused on only one level of readiness assessment. Further
research is needed to complete the assessment.
