An Australian survey of health professionals’ perceptions of use and usefulness of electronic medical records in hospitalised children’s pain care

Abstract

Pain in hospitalised children is common, yet inadequately treated. Electronic medical records (EMRs) can improve care quality and outcomes during hospitalisation. Little is known about how clinicians use EMRs in caring for children with pain. This national cross-sectional survey examined the perceptions of clinician-EMR users about current and potential use of EMRs in children’s pain care. One hundred and ninety-four clinicians responded ( n = 81, 74% nurses; n = 21, 19% doctors; n = 7, 6% other); most used Epic ( n = 53/109, 49%) or Cerner ( n = 42/109, 38%). Most ( n = 84/113, 74%) agreed EMRs supported their initiation of pharmacological pain interventions. Fewer agreed EMRs supported initiation of physical ( n = 49/113, 43%) or psychological interventions ( n = 41/111, 37%). Forty-four percent reported their EMR had prompt reminders for pain care. Prompts were perceived as useful ( n = 40/51, 78%). Most agreed EMRs supported pain care provision ( n = 94/110, 85%) and documentation ( n = 99/111, 89%). Only 39% ( n = 40/102) agreed EMRs improved pain treatment, and 31% ( n = 32/103) agreed EMRs improved how they involve children and families in pain care. Findings provide recommendations for EMR designs that support clinicians’ understanding of the multidimensionality of children’s pain and drive comprehensive assessments and treatments. This contribution will inform future translational research on harnessing technology to support child and family partnerships in care.