Pharmacy students’ perspectives on the initial implementation of a teaching electronic medical record: results from a mixed-methods assessment

Abstract

Background: Electronic medical records (EMRs) have been used for nearly three decades. Pharmacists use EMRs on a daily basis, but EMRs have only recently been incorporated into pharmacy education. Some pharmacy programs have implemented teaching electronic medical records (tEMRs), but best practices for incorporating tEMRs into pharmacy education remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to 1) assess pharmacy students' views and experiences with a tEMR; and 2) identify current learning activities and future priorities for tEMR use in pharmacy education.Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach, including three, two-hour student focus groups and a 42-item web-based survey to examine student perspectives of the tEMR. All first, second, and third year professional pharmacy students were eligible to participate in the survey and a focus group. Web-based survey items were measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics. Two researchers independently coded transcripts using both deductive and inductive approaches to identify emergent themes. These analysts met and resolved any coding discrepancies via consensus.Results: Focus groups were conducted with 22 total students, with 6-8 students represented from each year of pharmacy training. The survey was completed by 156 students: 47 first year, 55 second year, and 54 third year. Overall, 48.7% of survey respondents altogether agreed or strongly agreed that using the tEMR enhanced their learning in pharmacy classes and laboratories. Qualitative data were organized into four major themes regarding tEMR adoption: current priorities for use within the pharmacy curriculum; tEMR benefits; tEMR barriers; and future priorities for tEMR use to prepare students for pharmacy practice.

EMR Precharting Efficiency in Internal Medicine: A Scoping Review

“…One mixed-method study comprised of focus groups and surveys reported that overall, virtual EMR trainings were favorable with half of participants agreeing that teaching sessions on the EMR enhanced learning. 18 A simulation EMR training course on a platform identical to the EMR system used at the facility was modestly beneficial in helping students use the EMR; however, the course was time intensive and took place over many weeks and thus required significant resources. 19 Another training program used a case study on severe sepsis as a method of teaching the EMR, which was well received by the students and was mostly limited by the in-person format.…”

Optimizing Quality of Electronic Medical Records as a Platform for Resident Education

“…However, the question remains whether customized educational training programs for EMR improvement would contribute to clinical documentation, medical education, and patient safety. Literature about EMR training discusses its application for medical students or for clinicians in a single department [6,17,18,19]. Few studies investigated the differences in EMR quality between residents from different departments.…”

Navigating the electronic health record in university education: helping health care professionals of the future prepare for 21st century practice

“…Investigating the pedagogical approaches being used to integrate EHRs into curricula and their outcomes shows that teaching alongside EHRs positively impacts student confidence, preparedness for clinical practice and improved communications skills. 10 We believe that such work will not only equip students and clinicians to put data in the record to better use and write entries benefiting their colleagues and patients, but also inspire them to consider how electronic medical records and systems could evolve in the future beyond their current functions to become a collaborative tool to enhance and encourage better patient-centred care.…”

“…We recognise the importance of developing such skills regardless of professional identity, and that using digital technologies requires multidisciplinary working to bring about effective digital collaboration and communication. Investigating the pedagogical approaches being used to integrate EHRs into curricula and their outcomes shows that teaching alongside EHRs positively impacts student confidence, preparedness for clinical practice and improved communications skills 10…”