Perceptions of healthcare professionals about the adoption and use of EHR in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionElectronic health records (EHRs) can improve the quality and safety of care. However, the adoption and use of the EHR is influenced by several factors, including users’ perception.ObjectivesTo undertake a systematic review of the literature to understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions about the adoption and use of EHRs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in order to influence the implementation strategies, training programme and policy development in the GCC region.MethodA systematic literature search was undertaken on seven online databases to identify articles published between January 2006 and December 2017 examining healthcare professionals’ perception towards the adoption and use of EHR in the Gulf context.ResultsThe fourteen articles included in this review identified both positive and negative perceptions of the role of EHR in healthcare. The positive perceptions included EHR benefits, such as improvements to work efficiency, quality of care, communication and access to patient data. Conversely, the negative perceptions were associated with challenges or risks of adopting an EHR, such as disruption of provider–patient communication, privacy and security concerns and high initial costs. The perceptions were influenced by personal factors (eg, age, occupation and computer literacy) and system factors (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use).ConclusionPositive perceptions of EHRs by the healthcare professionals could facilitate the adoption of this technology in the Gulf region, particularly when barriers are addressed early. Negative perceptions may inform change management strategies during adoption and implementation. The perceptions should be further evaluated from a technology acceptance perspective.

Health Literacy in Patients’ Clinical Records of Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review

“…However, leadership is recommended ( Cawthon et al, 2014 ) because training in HL measurement and support at all stages of implementation is necessary ( Cawthon et al, 2014 ; Sand-Jecklin et al, 2017 ). These findings are supported by other research that has reported positively on healthcare professionals’ participation in learning about HL and the use of HL-related tools ( Alanazi et al, 2020 ; Asan et al, 2015 ).…”

“…Interestingly, all included studies reported that HL assessments were included in the EHRs; this is important since EHRs help to improve healthcare organisation workflows ( Ahmed et al, 2020 ; Alotaibi & Federico, 2017 ), communication between healthcare professionals from different contexts and countries ( Asan, Young, Chewning, & Montague, 2015 ) and documentation accuracy and the likelihood of using documentation ( Ahmed et al, 2020 ). However, using EHRs requires healthcare professionals to be computer literate, as well as conditions that facilitate the use of EHRs, such as adequate numbers of computers and tablets and sufficient personnel and software to ensure data entry accuracy ( Alanazi, Butler-Henderson, & Alanazi, 2020 ).…”

Barriers to the Adoption of Electronic Medical Record System in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

“…A systematic review of the perceptions of health care professionals about EMR adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries has provided a lack of training as a major barrier to EMR adoption. 15 Similarly, evidence from western Canada states that the lack of proper practical training and support for EMR systems has affected the success of EMR implementation. 16 In another study from India, two-thirds of medical professionals cited a lack of EMR training as a barrier to EMR adoption.…”

“…This exploration is consistent with a systematic review of the perceptions of health care professionals on EHR adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in which negative perception is a major challenge to adopt an EHR. 15 This is a good explanation for the need for professionals to be aware of the EMR system before implementing it so that they have a good attitude and develop their readiness for better adaptation of the system.…”

Digital Health for Supporting Precision Medicine in Pediatric Endocrine Disorders: Opportunities for Improved Patient Care

“…There is a need for collaboration between technology experts, physicians and citizens ( 25 ), which is especially challenging in a region with a significant reliance on a foreign healthcare workforce and the related training issues ( 4 , 6 ). The existence of electronic health records is generally seen as a positive development to aid adoption of precision medicine, with barriers informing changes in strategy ( 35 ). Telemedicine, involving remote delivery of care, is becoming more common in the GCC region, with new initiatives such as the Saudi Telemedicine Unit of Excellence now established ( 36 , 37 ).…”