Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Microservices Architecture has become one of the more actively explored innovations in the design of modern electronic health records, promising gains in efficiency and reliability that legacy, largely manual approaches have struggled to deliver.

Despite this potential, many existing electronic health records were not originally designed with microservices architecture in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in data privacy compliance that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Microservices Architecture can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to data privacy compliance within electronic health records remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of microservices architecture despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around microservices architecture.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a microservices architecture-based approach to improving data privacy compliance in electronic health records.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Microservices Architecture in enhancing data privacy compliance within electronic health records.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying microservices architecture in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can microservices architecture be applied to improve data privacy compliance in electronic health records?
2. How effective is Microservices Architecture at enhancing data privacy compliance within electronic health records?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying microservices architecture in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to software developers and system architects seeking practical guidance on applying Microservices Architecture within electronic health records. It is equally relevant to organizations that rely on these systems, offering a reference point for evaluating whether such an investment is justified, and it adds to the growing body of work on microservices architecture applications in software technology / IT.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a microservices architecture-based approach to improving data privacy compliance within electronic health records. Reflecting its BSc-level scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.