Implementing OpenEHR in Global Health Systems: A Systematic Review of Opportunities, Challenges, and Outcomes

Established Supervisor Name: Dr. Brandon Cheong <Brandon.Cheong@acu.edu.au>
Emerging Supervisor Name: Dr. John Oldroyd
Third Supervisor Name: Dr. Evelyn Hovenga 

Project Description

Interoperability and standardisation of electronic health records (EHRs) are critical to advancing safe, efficient and sustainable healthcare delivery worldwide. Despite growing investments in digital health, many health systems remain fragmented, which limits the potential of health data for patient care, population health management and global health surveillance. The openEHR standard provides a promising framework for achieving semantic interoperability and reusability of clinical information. This research project will conduct a systematic review of openEHR implementations across global health systems, examining their opportunities, challenges and outcomes. The findings will provide evidence to guide policymakers, healthcare leaders and technologists in designing and scaling interoperable digital health systems that support patient safety, equity and public health resilience.

Description of the research

Working within The Group for Digital Health Research and Education (GDHRE), this research project provides students with an opportunity to develop expertise in evidence synthesis and health informatics. Students will conduct a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, including comprehensive literature searching, screening, data extraction and quality appraisal of studies on openEHR implementations. They will analyse themes related to interoperability, clinical usability, governance and sustainability, and identify factors that influence success or failure across different contexts. Students will also gain experience in academic writing for publication, as the systematic review is intended for submission to a peer-reviewed journal. This project establishes the foundation for future research in digital health implementation and provides a pathway to pursue further studies as a PhD candidate at ACU.