Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems offer extensive opportunities to enhance healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries by improving data management and patient care and reducing errors. Nonetheless, EHR systems face a myriad of challenges, ranging from infrastructure and resources to policy, data management, and implementers' capacitation. This review provides a comprehensive 10-year overview of EHR implementation in the SSA region. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and HINARI databases identified 30 relevant studies published from 2014 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing the implementation, benefits, and challenges of EHR systems in SSA countries. Data extraction and thematic analysis facilitated the synthesis of findings. The review identified themes organized into four categories: EHR-enabled data management reduced errors, enhanced accuracy, and improved accessibility of patient records. Improved patient care correlated with better data management, facilitating timely and informed decision-making. Challenges such as limited infrastructure (power and connectivity), financial constraints, data privacy concerns, and the need for extensive training were prevalent. User acceptance also emerged as a critical barrier, with healthcare providers often resistant to adopting innovative technologies due to perceived complexity and the time required for training. EHR systems can significantly enhance healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. To fully realize these benefits, it is crucial to address challenges through targeted strategies and investments. By investing in reliable infrastructure, securing financial support, enhancing data security, developing comprehensive training programmes, and engaging stakeholders, sub-Saharan Africa can improve data management, patient care, and overall healthcare outcomes.
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHR); Health Information Management; Health Information Systems; digital health; scoping review; sub-Saharan Africa.
Main findings: This study demonstrates how, between 2014 and 2024, the implementation of EHR systems improved patient care by enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of records and reduced data errors, though challenges such as infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, data privacy concerns, and resistance from healthcare workers persisted as barriers to widespread adoption.Added knowledge: This scoping review underscores the transformative potential of EHR systems in data management and patient care in SSA while identifying key challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies and financial constraints and offering strategic guidance for effective adoption to enhance healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.Global health impact for policy and action: This study emphasizes the transformative role of EHR systems in improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting critical areas for policy action—such as infrastructure, funding, data security, training, and strategic interventions—to unlock their potential for enhanced global health outcomes and patient satisfaction.