Clinicians’ Lived Experiences on Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Quality and Safety

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-29-2020

Publication Title

80th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management

First page number:

1

Last page number:

1

Abstract

Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation in healthcare facilities is intended to assist with clinicians’ activities, such as evidence based decision making, streamlining providers’ workflow via efficient coordination of patient care. However, there have been mixed findings about clinicians’ perceptions of EHR. While several clinicians agree that EHR improves the quality and efficiency of care, others perceive that EHR interrupts the routine workflows, increases documentation load, and takes away clinicians’ time from patients. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of clinicians who regularly use EHR, to assess the role of EHR in improving quality and safety of healthcare. A qualitative study design based on the grounded theory approach was used. Different groups of clinicians (physicians, hospitalists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and patient safety officers) were interviewed using a semi structured interview. Organizations represented were trauma hospitals, academic medical centers, medical clinics, home health centers, and small hospitals. After examining 652 quotes and phrases, 10 major domains emerged. Our study found mixed results, which are consistent with extant literature. Overall, the participants confirmed that EHR improves patient safety by offering reminders, notifications, and alerts. Some respondents found training to be superficial, and of insufficient duration. Participants also thought that EHR can be an interference in clinical activities especially when different EHRs in a multi-system hospital are not integrated well. Some respondents indicated concern about the associated long term costs, including the dependence on technologies and the need to keep up with evolving technologies. Future qualitative and mixed method studies can delve into further exploration of clinicians’ lived experiences as it pertains to specific advantages and disadvantages of EHR."

Keywords

Electronic Health Record; EHR; Healthcare quality; Patient safety

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Medicine and Health Sciences

Language

English

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