A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Healthcare Quality and Safety: Clinicians’ Lived Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: There have been mixed findings of clinicians’ perceptions of Electronic Health Record (EHR). This study aims to explore the lived experiences of clinicians, to assess the role of EHR in improving the quality and safety of healthcare. Basic Procedures: A qualitative study design was used. We collected the opinions from different groups of clinicians (physicians, hospitalists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and patient safety officers) using semi-structured interviews. Organizations represented were trauma hospitals, academic medical centers, medical clinics, home health centers, and small hospitals. Main findings: Our study found clinicians’ ambivalent assessments toward EHR, which confirms extant literature. We compared the responses by job roles and found that nurses were positive about improving efficiency with EHR while others regarded EHR as time-consuming. While many underscored the importance of EHR in avoiding medical errors by improving data accessibility, nurses had concerns regarding data accuracy. Interoperability appeared to be a concern given limited system integration. Principal conclusions: Lived experiences of clinicians further tease out the mixed views about the effectiveness of EHR and highlight the challenges in EHR implementation. Redesigning the EHR and improving its implementation process may be potential solutions to increase its effectiveness.

Computer Skills and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in a State Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

“…Therefore, having a reliable and dependable quality of data cannot be overemphasized to guide against false conclusions and wrong decisions. EHRs will assist a great deal in ensuring structured data entry and smart interfaces [ 3 ]. The EHR system is regarded as a cornerstone that facilitates the integration of several e-health techniques among the various health information technology (HIT) initiatives in the international healthcare system.…”

Info-NAS

“…This is, however, also one of its strengths since it highlights the translational value of the quality of nursing records. This could enhance staff motivation for accurate recording, since records are often perceived as a burden and a loss of time that could be devoted to practical care 37 . Nevertheless, the perception of the utility of records and their ability to improve the system are considered keys for the successful implementation of EHR 38 …”

“…This could enhance staff motivation for accurate recording, since records are often perceived as a burden and a loss of time that could be devoted to practical care. 37 Nevertheless, the perception of the utility of records and their ability to improve the system are considered keys for the successful implementation of EHR. 38 In the study center, the healthcare process, as well as individualized activities, is assigned to each patient.…”

An adaptive ml model for covid-19 diagnosis in a smart hospital environment

“…Coronavirus 2019 (COVID- 19) is a type of syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory with symptoms such as fever, cough, or loss of sense of smell (anosmia) or taste (ageusia) [1]. According to [2], the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide socioeconomic unrest, forcing governments to introduce extreme measures to reduce its spread.…”

“…The spring in predictive systems has also been faced with challenges in the developmental stages which require improvement since the issues regarding Covid-19 are numerous and lack clear "standard operating procedures," in addressing it medically [16], [17]. This according [18] requires a potential to automate systems' tasks and improve in existing systems to be able to improve healthcare provision and patient care in general [19]. The major challenges that have characterised our quest to integrate these technologies in the healthcare systems worldwide involves some of the following.…”