Objectives: To assess the current status of medical record management at Ho Chi Minh city Odonto-Stomatology Hospital in 2024.
Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on paper-based medical records in 2024 and 84 healthcare workers and medical record staff at the hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Stata 17.0.
Results: The rate of medical record errors increased progressively across quarters in 2024, reaching the highest level in the fourth quarter (27.4%). Healthcare workers showed a very high level of agreement regarding the benefits of electronic medical records (90.5-100%). However, several challenges were reported, particularly dependence on information technology infrastructure and concerns about data security.
Conclusions: The management of paper-based medical records still has notable limitations. Implementing electronic medical records is necessary and appropriate, but should follow a phased approach with adequate investment in infrastructure, staff training, and information security.