Managing electronic medical records in South Korea from a socio-technical perspective and lessons learned for Vietnam

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

In the context of global digital transformation in healthcare, Electronic Health Records(EHRs) are no longer viewed simply as a technological solution, but as a complex data governance structure linked to institutional, legal, standardization, and intersectoral coordination mechanisms. This study analyzes the South Korean model of electronic health record management from a socio-technical systems perspective, aiming to clarify the interaction between technical components(IT infrastructure, data standards, information security) and socio-institutional components(legal framework, financial mechanism, organizational governance, and human resource development).
Based on a systematic literature review combined with an analysis of the electronic medical record management model and the SWOT framework, the study indicates that South Korea’s success stems not purely from technological capabilities, but from a synchronized institutional design, national-level data standardization, and appropriate incentive mechanisms. However, this model also raises academic debates regarding the level of data centralization, the cost of complying with international standards, and cybersecurity risks.
Based on a comparative analysis with the Vietnamese context, the study proposes six key policy lessons, including improving the legal framework, standardizing health data, building a national-level Health Information Exchange(HIE) system, strengthening information security, developing human resources in health informatics, and establishing appropriate financial mechanisms. Simultaneously, the study emphasizes that the application of international experience needs to be adapted to Vietnam’s institutional conditions, resources, and data governance culture to ensure feasibility and sustainability.