Factors related to the adoption of electronic health records

Abstract

The adoption and use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) is understated, despite the known benefits of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and the availability of health information systems technology to bridge the healthcare supply-demand gap. Objective This study seeks to explore and elucidate the complex interaction of factors inherent in the adoption and use of EHR from the perspective of strategic, operational and frontline staff in the private urban hospital setting. Methodology This study employed a phenomenological qualitative design to gain a deeper understanding of factors at intrinsic to the adoption of health information technology systems in urban hospitals. The study conducted 21 interviews in two private hospitals with decision makers and computerized information system end-users. The cohort was segmented into three organizational tiers constituted with frontline, operational and strategic staff. Results Participants agreed that EHR have relative advantage over paper in the form of operational efficiencies and delivery of care improvements. They did acknowledge existing challenges of using electronic information systems including prohibitive financial requirements, IT & computer literacy, system usability and functionality challenges, miscommunication, organizational processes and culture and increased workload. Conclusion EHR hold immense potential for transforming the delivery of care in hospitals. Decision makers need to leverage the organisational human resource potential in their quest to realize EHR value for all stakeholders. However EHR cannot be viewed as the only solution to improving healthcare.