Electronic health records perception among three healthcare providers specialties in Saudi Arabia: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Worldwide, more health care facilities are adapting the use of electronic health record (EHR). Healthcare providers (HCP) have different perceptions toward the use of EHR. To investigate the perception of three classes of HCP in Saudi Arabia toward using EHR, a questionnaire (targeting satisfaction, easiness, and benefits of use as major perception indicators) was prepared. The questionnaire was assessed by an expert panel for content validity. The questionnaire internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's alpha. 108 physicians, physical therapists (PT) and respiratory care therapists (RT) from different hospitals in Saudi Arabia answered the questionnaire. Most of respondents perceived EHR systems as beneficial and made work easier. Most HCP were satisfied with the use of EHR, however, with the use of EHR more time was needed to finish the work. Age, experience, job, and job rank of HCP are of different importance in determining responses, perception, and obstacles of using EHR. Moreover, the perception of using EHR seems to be field specific. There is a positive perception among Saudi Arabia HCP about EHR use.

Nurses' Perception on the Implementation of Nursing Care Documentation Using Electronic Medical Record: A Literature Review

“…Some respondents considered EMR detrimental in this regard. 16 This may indicate the need for improvement in the ability of EMR to detect and prevent medication-related medical errors. Respondents generally expressed satisfaction with the use of EMR, especially in terms of system user-friendliness and as an alternative to paper-based recording.…”

Clinicians' Attitudes Toward Electronic Health Records in Saudi Arabia

“…Saudi Arabia has made progress in implementing e-health in a range of care contexts, such as hospitals, laboratories and prescription services [ 6 ]. Prior research has examined the rate of uptake of these technologies, for instance using the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) adoption model with some care centres achieving a stage 7 accreditation, the highest stage possible [ 1 , 7 ]. EHR technologies used within KSA are sourced from a variety of developers, including Epic and Cerner, as well as other high-rated producers [ 8 ].…”

“…Globally, a significant body of research has examined stakeholders’ awareness of these EHR systems and begun to identify factors that influence their successful implementation, including the requirement for comprehensive training, and efficient and effective leadership in transitioning to these new systems [ 6 , 7 ]. Several research works have also identified dissatisfaction among physicians and nurses as a key factor affecting EHR adoption [ 8 , 9 ], which can be caused by financial issues; complexity of systems, including multiplicity of screens, options and navigational aids; and a lack of customizability.…”

“…Several research works have also identified dissatisfaction among physicians and nurses as a key factor affecting EHR adoption [ 8 , 9 ], which can be caused by financial issues; complexity of systems, including multiplicity of screens, options and navigational aids; and a lack of customizability. Jabali and Abdulla proposed that EHR systems should be regularly evaluated in terms of usability, perceptions and end-user satisfaction [ 7 , 10 ]. As clinicians (physicians and nurses) comprise the main users of EHR systems, their attitudes towards these systems play a role in influencing other medical professionals to accept their implementation and the advantages they bring.…”

“…Although some previous research has examined EHR use in Saudi Arabia and begun to assess Saudi physicians’ perceptions of these systems, there have been very few studies examining both nurses’ and physicians’ satisfaction [ 1 , 4 , 8 , 9 ] and relatively little research into the factors that influence clinicians’ attitudes towards EHRs and their implementation within this specific context [ 6 , 7 ].…”