Bridging the Digital Divide in Surgical Training: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Electronic Medical Records Among Clinical Students in a Nigerian Medical School

Bridging the Digital Divide in Surgical Training: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Electronic Medical Records Among Clinical Students in a Nigerian Medical School

Deborah O Ojo
College of Medicine University Of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos, Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria

Background:
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) enhance perioperative safety, operative note quality, and surgical audit processes. Yet, limited exposure to EMRs among clinical students in LMICs threatens digital readiness within surgical systems. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practical use of EMRs among clinical medical and dental students at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), and examines implications for future surgical education.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400–600 level students using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 232 responses (66% response rate) were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed associations between sociodemographic variables and EMR usage (significance: p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board.

Results:
While 94.0% demonstrated good EMR knowledge and 84.9% had positive attitudes, only 18.5% had used EMRs clinically, and just 7.0% reported regular use. Most reported only passive exposure by viewing patient history (93%) and recording basic encounters (45.3%) with minimal experience in surgical documentation or ordering investigations. EMR use was not significantly associated with age, gender, or level of training, indicating systemic barriers in clinical EMR access.

Conclusion:
Despite high theoretical EMR knowledge, clinical exposure is critically low, especially in surgical contexts where accurate documentation, intraoperative records, and audit capabilities are essential. Integrating EMR simulation lab training, and national digital health policy reforms into medical curricula is vital to future-proof LMIC surgical education and foster a digitally literate surgical workforce.

Keywords: Electronic medical records, medical education, digital health, global surgery, health policy