Progress in adopting EHR in Saudi eastern region private hospitals

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

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.