Nurses' views on the use, quality and user satisfaction with electronic medical records: questionnaire development

User Satisfaction of Using Electronic Medical Record System and Its Associated Factors among Healthcare Professionals in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems have become essential for the proper management of patients' information. Electronic medical record systems are on the rise in developing countries due to the need to ensure improved quality of healthcare. However, EMR systems can be ignored, if users are not satisfied with the implemented system. User dissatisfaction has been associated with the failure of EMR systems as a primary factor. There is also limited research done in the Ethiopian context on EMR user satisfaction at private hospitals. This study is aimed at assessing user satisfaction with electronic medical records and associated factors among health professionals working at private hospitals in Addis Ababa.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among health professionals working at private hospitals in Addis Ababa, from March to April 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. EpiData version 4.6 and Stata version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Descriptive analyses were computed for the study variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess the significance of independent variables on dependent variables.

Results

A total of 403 (95.33% response rate) participants completed all the questionnaires. More than half of 214 (53.10%) of the participants were satisfied with the EMR system. Factors associated with user satisfaction with electronic medical records were good computer literacy (AOR = 2.92, 95% CI: [1.16-7.37]), perceived information quality (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: [1.55-8.11]), perceived service quality (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: [1.58-6.28]), perceived system quality (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: [1.32-7.05]), EMR training (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI: [1.76-9.03]), computer access (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: [1.19-8.46]), and HMIS training (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: [1.22-6.71]).

Conclusions

In this study, health professionals' EMR satisfaction was moderate. The result showed that EMR training, computer literacy, computer access, perceived system quality, information quality, service quality, and HMIS training were associated with user satisfaction. Improving computer-related training, system quality, information quality, and service quality is an important intervention to improve the healthcare professional's satisfaction towards using electronic health record systems in Ethiopia.

Development an extended-information success system model (ISSM) based on nurses' point of view for hospital EHRs: a combined framework and questionnaire

Background

Understanding the hospital EHR success rate has great benefits for hospitals. The present study aimed to 1-Propose an extended-ISSM framework and a questionnaire in a systematic manner for EHR evaluation based on nurses’ perspectives, 2-Determine the EHR success rate, and 3-Explore the effective factors contributing to EHR success.

Methods

The proposed framework was developed using ISSM, TAM3, TTF, HOT-FIT, and literature review in seven steps. A self-administrated structured 65-items questionnaire was developed with CVI: 90.27% and CVR: 94.34%. Construct validity was conducted using EFA and CFA. Eleven factors were identified, collectively accounting for 71.4% of the total variance. In the EFA step, 15 questions and two questions in EFA were excluded. Finally, 48 items remained in the framework including dimensions of technology, human, organization, ease of use, usefulness, and net benefits. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value was 93.4%. In addition, the hospital EHR success rate was determined and categorized. In addition, effective factors on EHR success were explored.

Results

In total, 86 nurses participated in the study. On average, the “total hospital EHR success rate” was moderate. The total EHR success rates was ranging from 47.09 to 74.96%. The results of the Kruskal–Wallis test showed that there was a significant relationship between “gender” and “self-efficacy” (p-value: 0.042). A reverse relation between “years of experience using computers” and “training” (p-value: 0.012) was observed. “Years of experience using EHR” as well as “education level” (p-value: 0.001) and “ease of use” had a reverse relationship (p-value: 0.034).

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the EHR success based on nurses’ viewpoint in a developing country. Our results provide an instrument for comparison of EHR success rates in various hospitals.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-01800-1.

Nurses’ Views on the Use, Quality, and Satisfaction with Electronic Medical Record in the Outpatient Department at a Tertiary Hospital

Background:

Many nurses perceive that the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) reduces the workload, improves the quality of documentation, and improves safety and patient care. However, other nurses reported that the system and environment of healthcare might impede EMR documentation at the bedside.

Objective:

The study aimed to describe the nurses' views of the use, quality, and satisfaction with EMR in daily practice in outpatient settings. Furthermore, the relationships among the use, quality, and user’s satisfaction of EMR were assessed in the study.

Methods:

The proposed study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. Inclusion criteria were nurses willing to participate in the study, fluent in the English language, and have been working in the Outpatient Department for more than three months until the time of study implementation. A self-reported questionnaire with strong validity and reliability was used to assess nurses’ views of use, quality and satisfaction of EMR.

Results:

The response rate was 77.2% (170 out of 220), 91.2% of the participants were females. Results about the use of EMR have shown positive views ranging from 51.2% to 84.7%, with the lowest scores reported when to write nurse care worksheets (Kardex). For the quality of EMR, the results have shown positive views ranging from 70% to 87.6% with the lowest scores reported related to the EMR system problems and crashes, and for the user’s satisfaction, the results have shown positive views ranging from 76.5% to 87.1%. There were significant positive correlations between the three elements use, quality, and user’s satisfaction of EMR.

Conclusion:

Participants reported positive views in the domain of use, quality, and satisfaction with EMR. Furthermore, positive correlations were reported between the use, quality, and satisfaction domains of EMR.

Electronic Health Record Usability: Associations With Nurse and Patient Outcomes in Hospitals

BACKGROUND

Electronic health record (EHR) usability issues represent an emerging threat to the wellbeing of nurses and patients; however, few large studies have examined these relationships.

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between EHR usability and nurse job (burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave) and surgical patient (inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission) outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of linked American Hospital Association, state patient discharge, and nurse survey data was conducted. The sample included 343 hospitals, 1,281,848 surgical patients, and 12,004 nurses. Logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between EHR usability and outcomes, before and after accounting for EHR adoption level (comprehensive vs. basic or less) and other confounders.

RESULTS

In fully adjusted models, nurses who worked in hospitals with poorer EHR usability had significantly higher odds of burnout [odds ratio (OR), 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-1.64], job dissatisfaction (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.37-1.90) and intention to leave (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.09-1.58) compared with nurses working in hospitals with better usability. Surgical patients treated in hospitals with poorer EHR usability had significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09-1.35) and 30-day readmission (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12) compared with patients in hospitals with better usability. Comprehensive EHR adoption was associated with higher odds of nurse burnout (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28).

CONCLUSION

Employing EHR systems with suboptimal usability was associated with higher odds of adverse nurse job outcomes and surgical patient mortality and readmission. EHR usability may be more important to nurse job and patient outcomes than comprehensive EHR adoption.

Validating the Nurses' Perceptions of Electronic Documentation Scale in a Cross-Sectional Sample of Registered Nurses in Australia: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Nurses' Perceptions of Electronic Documentation (NPED) scale assesses nurses' perceptions, attitudes, and use of electronic documentation in acute care settings. However, confirmatory factor analysis of the scale had not been conducted. This article describes a confirmatory factor analysis of the NPED scale.

METHODS

An 11-item survey was implemented in a cross-sectional sample of 202 registered nurses in a large tertiary hospital in Australia. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess validity and reliability was determined by Cronbach's α coefficients.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis generated an excellent model-data fit for a two-factor model. All item-factor loadings were statistically significant and substantial.

CONCLUSIONS

The NPED scale is a robust instrument to measure nurses' perceptions of the utility of and concerns about the electronic medical record in practice.

Investigation the success rate of hospital information system (HIS): Development of a questionnaire and case study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The implantation of hospital information systems (HISs) has grown dramatically in recent years. Understanding the success rate of HIS is key in health organizations. In this study, a validated questionnaire for HISs evaluation based on the Information System Success Model (ISSM) has been provided. In addition, the HIS success rate was determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current study was conducted at one of the largest teaching hospitals in eastern Iran. The 44-items questionnaire was developed for data gathering. The questionnaire covered ISSM dimensions, which include analysis of quality system, quality of information, quality service, system use, usefulness, satisfaction, and net benefits. Content validity, constructs validity, and reliability of the ISSM questionnaire was measured. HIS success rate has been determined and categorized based on users' perspective as follows: appropriate (75%≤HIS success rate), moderate (50%≤HIS success rate<75%), low coverage (25%≤HIS success rate<50%), and poor (coverage rate<25%).

RESULTS

In total, 253 users participated in the study. The ISSM questionnaire was validated by an expert panel with CVI: 85.12% and CVR: 88.22%. The overall Cronbach's alpha value of the instrument was determined as 92.2%. Nine factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.00 were identified, jointly accounting for 66.91% of the total variance. The value of KMO was.866 showed that the sample size was adequate for factor analysis. The highly significant Bartlett's test (p<0.000) indicated that variables were correlated and the factor analysis was appropriate. Our results demonstrated that the total mean of HIS success was "moderate" base on the users' point of view.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study, provide valuable scientific evidence for key affecting factors on hospital EHR in Iran as a developing country.

Investigating Evaluation Frameworks for Electronic Health Record: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND: There are various electronic health records (EHRs) evaluation frameworks with multiple dimensions and numerous sets of evaluation measures, while the coverage rate of evaluation measures in a common framework varies in different studies. AIM: This study provides a literature review of the current EHR evaluation frameworks and a model for measuring the coverage rate of evaluation measures in EHR frameworks. METHODS: The current study was a comprehensive literature review and a critical appraisal study. The study was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, a literature review of EHR evaluation frameworks was conducted. In Phase 2, a three-level hierarchical structure was developed, which includes three aspects, 12 dimensions, and 110 evaluation measures. Subsequently, evaluation measures in the identified studies were categorized based on the hierarchical structure. In Phase 3, relative frequency (RF) of evaluation measures in different dimensions and aspects for each of the identified studies were determined and categorized as follows: Appropriate, moderate, and low coverage. RESULTS: Out of a total of 8276 retrieved articles, 62 studies were considered relevant. The RF range in the second and third level of the hierarchical structure was between 8.6%–91.94% and 0.2%–61%, respectively. “Ease of use” and “system quality” were the most frequent evaluation measure and dimension. Our results indicate that identified studies cover at least one and at most nine evaluation dimensions and current evaluation frameworks focus more on the technology aspect. Almost in all identified studies, evaluation measures related to the technology aspect were covered. However, evaluation measures related to human and organization aspects were covered in 68% and 84% of the identified studies, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, we systematically reviewed all literature presenting any type of EHR evaluation framework and analyzed and discussed their aspects and features. We believe that the findings of this study can help researchers to review and adopt the EHR evaluation frameworks for their own particular field of usage.

A model to measure self-assessed proficiency in electronic medical records: Validation using maturity survey data from Canadian community-based physicians

OBJECTIVE

Adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) does not necessarily translate to proficiency -referred to here as EMR maturity. To realize the full benefit of wide scale EMR adoption, the focus must shift from adoption to advancing mature use. This calls for validated assessment models so that researchers, health system planners and digital health developers can better understand what contributes to maturity among physicians. This research aims to validate a measurement model for self-assessed EMR maturity among community-based physicians.

METHODS

As part of an Ontario government-funded EMR adoption program, the EMR Maturity Model for community-based practices was adapted from a hospital-based EMR maturity model. A survey instrument was developed on the foundation of the new model and revised by experts and stakeholders. Content validity, face validity and user acceptance were established before survey administration. Internal consistency and construct validity of the model were tested after survey data were collected. Finally, physicians' comments collected via the survey were qualitatively analyzed to provide additional insights that can be applied to refinement of the model and survey.

RESULTS

As of August 1, 2019, 1588 physicians completed the survey. Ordinal alpha tests for reliability and content validity yielded an alpha value of 0.86 across all key measures specifically associated with maturity. Among most of these, there was a pattern of weak to moderate significant (p < .0001) positive Spearman inter-correlations. One factor was extracted for items measuring dimensions of maturity and all factor loadings of the key measures were greater than 0.40. The fit of the one-factor model was moderately adequate. This indicates the model is valid and reliable, with consistency across key measures for measuring one factor: maturity.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known validated model published in English that measures EMR maturity among community-based physicians. While the model is shown to be valid and reliable statistically and qualitative analysis supports this, there is room for improvement. Both the statistical analysis and portions of the qualitative analysis suggest areas of exploration to strengthen the model and survey. Future efforts will include refining the survey to improve user interface and accrue further data, as the sample to date is insufficient for generalizability.

Apply the SERVQUAL Instrument to Measure Service Quality for the Adaptation of ICT Technologies: A Case Study of Nursing Homes in Taiwan

The adoption of information and communication technology by elderly care organizations is an inevitable trend. Most empirical studies on e-Health service quality have focused predominantly on the general population rather than on the elderly. Thus, the generalizations are rather problematic. In addition, in the planning stage, pre-implementation analysis is considered critical but seldom performed. In this research, an instrument to evaluate the e-Health service quality in nursing homes was developed based on the SERVQUAL model. Furthermore, a pre-implementation analysis combining the SERVQUAL questionnaire and importance performance analysis was performed. Dissatisfactory factors were identified as follows. Regarding the physical environment quality, the residents expressed that the nursing homes did not provide well-maintained rooms and that the temperature in the rooms was unsuitable. Regarding the outcome quality, the elderly residents replied that the medical treatments and doctor visits were not well scheduled. Regarding the interaction quality, the residents indicated that the staff did not solve their problems sincerely or clearly understand their needs. Health care informatics (HCI) such as an electronic shift system (ESS) and electronic health records (EHR) are proposed to eliminate these problems. Given current resource limitations, our instrument and methodology proposed in this research could be extremely meaningful in practical application.

Effects of electronic medical records on patient safety culture: The perspective of nurses

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the effects of nurses' views regarding electronic medical records on patient safety culture.

METHODS

The implementation part of the study was conducted with nurses working in seven state hospitals in the Burdur province of Turkey. The data were collected between 15 March and 20 April 2018. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships among the variables in the study. In addition, descriptive analyses (mean, standard deviation) and Cronbach α coefficients of reliability of the scales were also used.

RESULTS

The results of the analyses revealed that control variables (gender, educational level, age, etc) and all dimensions of electronic medical records affected all three dimensions of patient safety culture. The control variables and all dimensions of electronic medical records explained 41% of the total variance in perceptions of process, 42.5% of the total variance in management support for patient safety, and 27.9% of the total variance in perceptions of safety.

DISCUSSION

This study provides insight concerning the effects of nurses' views of electronic medical records on patient safety culture. The results of the study reveal that nurses' views of electronic medical records affect the perception of patient safety culture positively.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that further studies be conducted on topics such as the use of medical records and the development of patient safety. Health care managers should encourage nurses to undergo training and educational efforts on electronic medical records and patient safety.

Evaluation of the Integrated Health Information System (IHIS) in Public Hospitals in Cyprus Utilizing the DIPSA Framework

INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus has implemented an Integrated Health Information System (IHIS) in two hospitals. However, no evaluation of IHIS has been conducted to assess its safety, efficiency and effectiveness. The proper utilization of IHIS is essential for the provision of quality healthcare services.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current IHIS in public hospitals in Cyprus utilizing the DIPSA evaluation framework.

METHODS

A total of 309 subjects, including doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, participated in the study. The DIPSA evaluation framework assessed the users' perception in five categories namely, satisfaction, collaboration, system quality, safety and procedures, using Likert scale and 3 open questions. Correlation between the categories was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and categories. Data analysis was done using SPSS v24.

RESULTS

All five categories were rated moderately, between 2.5 and 3, by the participants. All categories were correlated (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis indicated the need for improvement between the professionals (mainly doctors and nurses) and the categories. The open questions pointed out the need for improvement in all 3 factors examined (Technology, Human Factor, Organization).

DISCUSSION

The moderately rated categories, in the Cyprus IHIS, suggest that there is a lot of room for improvement. Some interventions are suggested that could positively and simultaneously affect one or more categories.

Nurses' perceptions of the clinical information system in primary healthcare centres in Qatar: a cross-sectional survey

Background

Qatar is one of the fastest growing countries in the Arabic region. Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is the main provider of primary health services in Qatar and employs 1600 nurses. In 2014, PHCC started to migrate from paper to electronic documentation of patient records using a clinical information system (CIS). Since implementation, the use of CIS and perception of users have not been assessed.

Objective

This study measured nurses’ perceptions regarding the utilisation, quality and user satisfaction with the CIS in PHCC.

Methods

Using a pre-existing survey, a cross-section of nurses from six health centres in Qatar were systematically selected and invited to participate in the study. Eighty-nine surveys were completed (response rate: 98.8%) and descriptive analyses were performed.

Results

Nurses’ perceptions regarding the utilisation, quality and user satisfaction with the CIS were positive. Nurses indicated that the CIS is a resource for clear, accurate and up-to-date data and that their performance improved due to the CIS. Yet responses to an open-ended question in the survey revealed some concerns related to the CIS, such as patient confidentiality, system downtime and time constraints.

Conclusion

Ensuring that the CIS is facilitating nurses’ work is crucial to guarantee high-quality care to the community. The findings provide foundational data to help PHCC to understand nurses’ perceptions and to take steps to overcome challenges that nurses face related to the CIS in their daily practice. This work could also provide direction for future research.

Determining the Hospital Information System (HIS) Success Rate: Development of a New Instrument and Case Study

BACKGROUND:

Hospital Information System (HIS) is a type of health information system which is widely used in clinical settings. Determining the success rate of HISs is an ongoing area of research since its implications are of interest for researchers, physicians and managers.

AIM:

In the present study, we develop a novel instrument to measure HIS success rate based on users’ viewpoints in a teaching hospital.

METHODS:

The study was conducted in Ebnesina and Dr Hejazi Psychiatric Hospital and education centre in Mashhad, Iran. The instrument for data collection was a self-administered structured questionnaire based on ISSM, covering seven dimensions, which includes system quality, information quality, service quality, system use, usefulness, satisfaction, and net benefits. The verification of content validity was carried out by an expert panel. The internal consistency of dimensions was measured by Cronbach’s alpha. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the significance of associations between dimensions. The HIS success rate on users’ viewpoints was determined.

RESULTS:

A total of 125 users participated in the study. The instrument was validated by an expert panel with the Content Validity Index (CVI): 0.85 and Content Validity Ratio (CVR): 0.86. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value of the instrument was 0.93. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant positive relationships among the investigated dimensions. On average, HIS success rate in the hospital under study was 65% (CI: 64%, 67%). The dimensions of “usefulness”, “system quality”, and “net benefits” showed the highest rates of success, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The instrument used in this study can be adopted for HIS evaluation in future studies. In the current study, a method was developed to determine the HIS success rate based on users’ viewpoints. This method allows for the comparison of HIS success rates in various hospitals. As well, our findings underscore the viewpoints of HIS users in a developing country.’

Electronic Health Record Adoption and Nurse Reports of Usability and Quality of Care: The Role of Work Environment

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence suggesting higher quality and safer care in hospitals with comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) systems, factors related to advanced system usability remain largely unknown, particularly among nurses. Little empirical research has examined sociotechnical factors, such as the work environment, that may shape the relationship between advanced EHR adoption and quality of care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the independent and joint effects of comprehensive EHR adoption and the hospital work environment on nurse reports of EHR usability and nurse-reported quality of care and safety.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of nurse and hospital survey data. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between EHR adoption level, work environment, and a set of EHR usability and quality/safety outcomes. The sample included 12,377 nurses working in 353 hospitals.

RESULTS

In fully adjusted models, comprehensive EHR adoption was associated with lower odds of nurses reporting poor usability outcomes, such as dissatisfaction with the system (odds ratio [OR]: 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.92). The work environment was associated with all usability outcomes with nurses in better environments being less likely to report negatively. Comprehensive EHRs (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71-0.96) and better work environments (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.42-0.52) were associated with lower odds of nurses reporting fair/poor quality of care, while poor patient safety grade was associated with the work environment (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.46-0.54), but not EHR adoption level.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that adoption of a comprehensive EHR is associated with more positive usability ratings and higher quality of care. We also found that-independent of EHR adoption level-the hospital work environment plays a significant role in how nurses evaluate EHR usability and whether EHRs have their intended effects on improving quality and safety of care.

Implementing electronic health records (EHRs): health care provider perceptions before and after transition from a local basic EHR to a commercial comprehensive EHR

Objective

We assessed changes in the percentage of providers with positive perceptions of electronic health record (EHR) benefit before and after transition from a local basic to a commercial comprehensive EHR.

Methods

Changes in the percentage of providers with positive perceptions of EHR benefit were captured via a survey of academic health care providers before (baseline) and at 6-12 months (short term) and 12-24 months (long term) after the transition. We analyzed 32 items for the overall group and by practice setting, provider age, and specialty using separate multivariable-adjusted random effects logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 223 providers completed all 3 surveys (30% response rate): 85.6% had outpatient practices, 56.5% were >45 years old, and 23.8% were primary care providers. The percentage of providers with positive perceptions significantly increased from baseline to long-term follow-up for patient communication, hospital transitions - access to clinical information, preventive care delivery, preventive care prompt, preventive lab prompt, satisfaction with system reliability, and sharing medical information (P < .05 for each). The percentage of providers with positive perceptions significantly decreased over time for overall satisfaction, productivity, better patient care, clinical decision quality, easy access to patient information, monitoring patients, more time for patients, coordination of care, computer access, adequate resources, and satisfaction with ease of use (P < 0.05 for each). Results varied by subgroup.

Conclusion

After a transition to a commercial comprehensive EHR, items with significant increases and significant decreases in the percentage of providers with positive perceptions of EHR benefit were identified, overall and by subgroup.

Development of an Evaluation Framework for Health Information Systems (DIPSA)

Introduction:

Use of Integrated Health Information Systems (IHIS) for the provision of healthcare services benefits both healthcare professionals and patients, while requiring continuous evaluation and upgrading to fully support its role.

Aim:

The main purpose of the study was to develop an evaluation framework for hospitals utilizing IHIS, within the three main areas identified as Human factor, Technology and Organization.

Material and methods:

The questionnaire consisted of 43 questions, with 17 questions (related to categories procedures, system quality and satisfaction), 25 questions (related to categories, safety and collaboration) and 1 question related to accessibility to the system (within the category system quality). Three open questions were added to evaluate users’ perception on what was needed for the improvement of health services in their respective hospitals for all 3 variables being evaluated. The open questions were included to allow participants to express their opinion in a more detailed setting. A database was developed, and the data were processed and analyzed.

Results:

Factor analysis formed 5 categories for the evaluation framework. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found in all categories to be above > 0.85.

Conclusion:

Evaluation frameworks can be designed, developed and implemented by using different methodologies. For an evaluation framework to be effective it should be designed and implemented based on the aims and purpose of the research and the specific needs of the particular healthcare setting or hospital. Considering the categories satisfaction, collaboration, safety, system quality, procedures, and by using Likert scale and open questions in the current study, DIPSA can provide a holistic image of IHIS by evaluating any hospital system.

Usage Pattern Differences and Similarities of Mobile Electronic Medical Records Among Health Care Providers

BACKGROUND

Recently, many hospitals have introduced mobile electronic medical records (mEMRs). Although numerous studies have been published on the usability or usage patterns of mEMRs through user surveys, investigations based on the real data usage are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Asan Medical Center, a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, implemented an mEMR program in 2010. On the basis of the mEMR usage log data collected over a period of 4.5 years, we aimed to identify a usage pattern and trends in accordance with user occupation and to disseminate the factors that make the mEMR more effective and efficient.

METHODS

The mEMR log data were collected from March 2012 to August 2016. Descriptive analyses were completed according to user occupation, access time, services, and wireless network type. Specifically, analyses targeted were as follows: (1) the status of the mEMR usage and distribution of users, (2) trends in the number of users and usage amount, (3) 24-hour usage patterns, and (4) trends in service usage based on user occupations. Linear regressions were performed to model the relationship between the time, access frequency, and the number of users. The differences between the user occupations were examined using Student t tests for categorical variables.

RESULTS

Approximately two-thirds of the doctors and nurses used the mEMR. The number of logs studied was 7,144,459. Among 3859 users, 2333 (60.46%) users were nurses and 1102 (28.56%) users were doctors. On average, the mEMR was used 1044 times by 438 users per day. The number of users and amount of access logs have significantly increased since 2012 (P<.001). Nurses used the mEMR 3 times more often than doctors. The use of mEMR by nurses increased by an annual average of 51.5%, but use by doctors decreased by an annual average of 7.7%. For doctors, the peak usage periods were observed during 08:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to 18:00, which were coincident with the beginning of ward rounds. Conversely, the peak usage periods for the nurses were observed during 05:00 to 06:00, 12:00 to 13:00, and 20:00 to 21:00, which effectively occurred 1 or 2 hours before handover. In more than 80% of all cases, the mEMR was accessed via a nonhospital wireless network.

CONCLUSIONS

The usage patterns of the mEMR differed between doctors and nurses according to their different workflows. In both occupations, mEMR was highly used when personal computer access was limited and the need for patient information was high, such as during ward rounds or handover periods.

Evaluation of Electronic Health Record Implementation in Hospitals

The effectiveness of electronic health records has not previously been widely evaluated. Thus, this national cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate electronic health records, from the perspective of nurses, by examining how they use the records, their opinions on the quality of the systems, and their overall levels of satisfaction with electronic health records. The relationship between these constructs was measured, and its predictors were investigated. A random sample of Jordanian hospitals that used electronic health records was selected, and data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire, based on the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success model. In total, 1648 nurses from 17 different hospitals participated in the study. Results indicated that nurses were largely positive about the use and quality of the systems and were satisfied with electronic health records. Significant positive correlations were found between these constructs, and a number of demographical and situational factors were found to have an effect on nurses' perceptions. The study provides a systematic evaluation of different facets of electronic health records, which is fundamental for recognizing the motives and challenges for success and for further enhancing this success. The work proves that nurses favor the use of electronic health records and are satisfied with it and perceive its high quality, and the findings should therefore encourage their ongoing implementation.

Effects of an Adolescent Obesity Management Educational Program on Middle and High School Teachers in South Korea

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effects of an adolescent obesity management educational program (AOMEP) on middle and high school teachers.

METHODS

A quasiexperimental, pretest post-test design was performed to test primary variables, including adolescent obesity management knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention based on the concepts presented in the Theory of Planned Behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 61 teachers participated. The experimental group (n = 30) received 15 hours of AOMEP, whereas the control group (n = 31) did not receive any. The experimental group showed significant improvement in knowledge (t = 2.53, d = .65, p = .014) and attitude (t = 2.77, d = .71, p = .008) toward adolescent obesity management compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in perceived behavioral control or behavioral intention between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

AOMEP may be utilized as an effective obesity management program for adolescent students in schools.

Effects of pre-education combined with a simulation for caring for children with croup on senior nursing students

Educational outcomes, such as knowledge, confidence in performance, ability in nursing practice, and satisfaction with learning methods in caring for children with croup, were compared between groups of students that received education through simulation combined with pre-education, simulation only, and pre-education only. In this quasi-experimental design, the educational intervention for the experimental group was the pre-education modality. Data from a convenience sample of 127 senior nursing students were drawn from three nursing schools in South Korea. There were significant differences in the mean scores of knowledge, confidence in performance, satisfaction with the learning method, and ability in nursing practice between the three groups. Pre-education with simulation significantly enhanced students' knowledge, confidence in performance, ability in nursing practice, and satisfaction with learning methods compared with pre-education or simulation alone. Simulation strategies should focus more on enhancing nursing students' learning outcomes.

A smartphone application to educate undergraduate nursing students about providing care for infant airway obstruction

PURPOSE

This study had two aims: (a) to develop a smartphone-based application and (b) to evaluate the effectiveness of the application by measuring nursing students' knowledge, skills, and confidence in simulated performance when providing that care.

DESIGN

We conducted a randomized trial using a pre- and post-test design at a university in Korea. Seventy-three junior nursing students participated.

METHODS

A smartphone-based app using a video was developed for the experimental group and one time lecture-based education was designed for the control group. We provided the app and information about its use to the experimental group, and we encouraged its use. We provided classroom instruction to the control group. Then, learning outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The smartphone-based education group showed significantly higher scores on skills (t=4.774, p<0.001) and confidence in performance (t=2.888, p=0.005) than the control group. The scores on knowledge (t=0.886, p=0.379) and satisfaction with the learning method (t=0.168, p=0.867) for the experimental group were higher than for the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that smartphone-based education may be an effective method to use in nursing education related to teaching infant airway obstruction.

End-user acceptance of a cloud-based teledentistry system and Android phone app for remote screening for oral diseases

Objective This study aimed to evaluate users' acceptance of a teledentistry model utilizing a smartphone camera used for dental caries screening and to identify a number of areas for improvement of the system. Methods A store-and-forward telemedicine platform "Remote-I" was developed to assist in the screening of oral diseases using an image acquisition Android app operated by 17 teledental assistants. A total of 485 images (five images per case) were directly transmitted from the Android app to the server. A panel of five dental practitioners (graders) assessed the images and reported their diagnosis. A user acceptance survey was sent to the graders and smartphone users following completion of the screening program. Results Of the 22 surveys sent out, 20 (91%) were completed. Generally, users showed optimism towards the use of the teledentistry system, and strongly positively assessed items on content and service quality. The majority of graders took less than 15 min to read the images while phone users took 5-10 min to complete the dental photography using the Android app. This study identified a number of factors that are essential for improving the current system, such as optimization of smartphone camera features, the format of the server, and the orientation of images and using oral retractors during photography. Conclusions Users appear to be generally satisfied with the proposed teledentistry model. However, they have specific concerns to address, many of which could be resolved through more effective training, coordination between sites and upgrading the current system.

An importance-performance analysis of hospital information system attributes: A nurses' perspective

PURPOSE

Health workers have numerous concerns about hospital IS (HIS) usage. Addressing these concerns requires understanding the system attributes most important to their satisfaction and productivity. Following a recent HIS implementation, our objective was to identify priorities for managerial intervention based on user evaluations of the performance of the HIS attributes as well as the relative importance of these attributes to user satisfaction and productivity outcomes.

PROCEDURES

We collected data along a set of attributes representing system quality, data quality, information quality, and service quality from 154 nurse users. Their quantitative responses were analysed using the partial least squares approach followed by an importance-performance analysis. Qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis to triangulate and supplement the quantitative findings.

MAIN FINDINGS

Two system quality attributes (responsiveness and ease of learning), one information quality attribute (detail), one service quality attribute (sufficient support), and three data quality attributes (records complete, accurate and never missing) were identified as high priorities for intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our application of importance-performance analysis is unique in HIS evaluation and we have illustrated its utility for identifying those system attributes for which underperformance is not acceptable to users and therefore should be high priorities for intervention.

The Relationship between User Satisfaction, System Attributes and the Motivating Potential of System Use

User satisfaction (US) is an important information systems success measure. This paper contributes to our understanding of US in workplace settings by conceptualizing US as resulting from user evaluations of both the attribute level performance of the system and its impacts on the motivating potential of their work. Data was collected from a sample of 154 nurses in a regional public hospital in South Africa who are users of an integrated hospital information system. The authors considered that use of the system has implications for the motivating potential of work through its impacts on skill variety, task identity, significance, autonomy, and work performance. Their results show that a system's impact on motivating potential is significant for US. Moreover, system quality, information quality, and user support attributes of the IS have significant direct effects on US as well as indirect effects through motivating potential. A high performing system is thus important for US as it provides a platform to increase the motivating potential of work.

Prioritizing factors influencing nurses' satisfaction with hospital information systems: a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach

Our aim was to use the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach to prioritize the factors that influence nurses' satisfaction with a hospital information system. First, we reviewed the related literature to identify and select possible factors. Second, we developed an analytic hierarchy process framework with three main factors (quality of services, of systems, and of information) and 22 subfactors. Third, we developed a questionnaire based on pairwise comparisons and invited 10 experienced nurses who were identified through snowball sampling to rate these factors. Finally, we used Chang's fuzzy extent analysis method to compute the weights of these factors and prioritize them. We found that information quality was the most important factor (58%), followed by service quality (22%) and then system quality (19%). In conclusion, although their weights were not similar, all factors were important and should be considered in evaluating nurses' satisfaction.

Validation of a nurses' views on electronic medical record systems (EMR) questionnaire in Turkish health system

Using of EMR in health services and organizations is steadily increasing for quality improvement, cost effectiveness and performance development. However, no validated national and international instruments (scale, questionnaire, index, and inventory) have assessed the effectiveness, satisfaction, health care savings, patient safety and cost minimization of electronic medical and health systems from the viewpoint and perceptions of nurses in Turkish health services. The perceptions of health care professionals especially physicians and nurses can contribute important information that may predict their acceptance of EMR and desired mode of use for EMR, evaluation performance of EMR thus guiding EMR implementation in hospitals. This article is a report of validation of the instrument to measure nurses' views on the use, quality and user satisfaction with EMR in Turkish health system. Items in the questionnaire were designed and obtained following O.G. Otieno, H. Toyama, M. Asonuma, M. Kanai-Pak, K. Naitoh's questionnaire about Use, Quality and User Satisfaction with EMR systems. Reliability and validity were examined and investigated in terms of responses from 487 nurses from one education hospital in Ankara, Turkey. This study was planned and conducted at a university hospital. The validation process was based on construct validity in this study. The response rate was 74.92%. Cronbach's alphas of three factors (use, quality and satisfaction of EMR) ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. Goodness-of-fit indices from the confirmatory factor analysis showed a reasonable model fit. Results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that χ2 statistic indicated significant result (p < 0.001) and model fit was acceptable according to relative χ2 statistic (χ2/df = 2.8 < 5). Further validation of the instrument could yield positive results in health systems in the different countries. Also further validation and reliability studies could be planned on physicians and other health professionals.

Some correlates of electronic health information management system success in nigerian teaching hospitals

Nowadays, an electronic health information management system (EHIMS) is crucial for patient care in hospitals. This paper explores the aspects and elements that contribute to the success of EHIMS in Nigerian teaching hospitals. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of study comprised 442 health information management personnel in five teaching hospitals that had implemented EHIMS in Nigeria. A self-developed questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The findings revealed that there is a positive, close relationship between all the identified factors and EHIMS’s success: technical factors (r = 0.564, P < 0.05); social factors (r = 0.616, P < 0.05); organizational factors (r = 0.621, P < 0.05); financial factors (r = 0.705, P < 0.05); and political factors (r = 0.589, P < 0.05). We conclude that consideration of all the identified factors was highly significant for the success of EHIMS in Nigerian teaching hospitals.

Return on investment in electronic health records in primary care practices: a mixed-methods study

Background

The use of electronic health records (EHR) in clinical settings is considered pivotal to a patient-centered health care delivery system. However, uncertainty in cost recovery from EHR investments remains a significant concern in primary care practices.

Objective

Guided by the question of “When implemented in primary care practices, what will be the return on investment (ROI) from an EHR implementation?”, the objectives of this study are two-fold: (1) to assess ROI from EHR in primary care practices and (2) to identify principal factors affecting the realization of positive ROI from EHR. We used a break-even point, that is, the time required to achieve cost recovery from an EHR investment, as an ROI indicator of an EHR investment.

Methods

Given the complexity exhibited by most EHR implementation projects, this study adopted a retrospective mixed-method research approach, particularly a multiphase study design approach. For this study, data were collected from community-based primary care clinics using EHR systems.

Results

We collected data from 17 primary care clinics using EHR systems. Our data show that the sampled primary care clinics recovered their EHR investments within an average period of 10 months (95% CI 6.2-17.4 months), seeing more patients with an average increase of 27% in the active-patients-to-clinician-FTE (full time equivalent) ratio and an average increase of 10% in the active-patients-to-clinical-support-staff-FTE ratio after an EHR implementation. Our analysis suggests, with a 95% confidence level, that the increase in the number of active patients (P=.006), the increase in the active-patients-to-clinician-FTE ratio (P<.001), and the increase in the clinic net revenue (P<.001) are positively associated with the EHR implementation, likely contributing substantially to an average break-even point of 10 months.

Conclusions

We found that primary care clinics can realize a positive ROI with EHR. Our analysis of the variances in the time required to achieve cost recovery from EHR investments suggests that a positive ROI does not appear automatically upon implementing an EHR and that a clinic’s ability to leverage EHR for process changes seems to play a role. Policies that provide support to help primary care practices successfully make EHR-enabled changes, such as support of clinic workflow optimization with an EHR system, could facilitate the realization of positive ROI from EHR in primary care practices.

Attitudes of health professionals towards electronic health records in primary health care settings: a questionnaire survey

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the attitudes of health professionals towards electronic health records (EHRs) in primary health care settings in Turkey.

METHODS

A survey was administered to 754 health professionals working in Family Health Centres (FHCs) in seven districts in Istanbul, Turkey. The survey was developed based on extensive literature review, and consisted of 33 statements rated on a five-point Likert-scale.

RESULTS

A total of 325 completed questionnaires were received, representing a 43% response rate, with 97% of respondents being satisfied with the EHR system in the FHCs. There were significant differences between health professional groups (physicians and nurses/midwives) in their perceptions of EHRs decreasing paper-based records, data security in EHRs, and costs of EHRs (p < 0.05). Narrative responses indicated ongoing needs in software development, further support of nursing documentation and training.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall positive attitudes towards EHRs among primary care health professionals in Turkey suggest strong acceptance and use. Recommendations based on the findings include EHR technology refinements, improved clinical documentation using standardized terminologies, and health professional-informed EHR training.

An information systems model of the determinants of electronic health record use

OBJECTIVES

The prominence given to universal implementation of electronic health record (EHR) systems in U.S. health care reform, underscores the importance of devising reliable measures of factors that predict medical care providers' use of EHRs. This paper presents an easily administered provider survey instrument that includes measures corresponding to core dimensions of DeLone and McClean's (D & M) model of information system success.

METHODS

Study data came from self-administered surveys completed by 460 primary care providers, who had recently begun using an EHR.

RESULTS

Based upon assessment of psychometric properties of survey items, a revised D&M causal model was formulated that included four measures of the determinants of EHR use (system quality, IT support, ease of use, user satisfaction) and five indicators of provider beliefs about the impact on an individual's clinical practice. A structural equation model was estimated that demonstrated a high level of inter-correlation between the four scales measuring determinants of EHR use. All four variables had positive association with each of the five individual impact measures. Consistent with our revised D&M model, the association of system quality and IT support with the individual impact measures was entirely mediated by ease of use and user satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Survey research provides important insights into provider experiences with EHR. Additional studies are in progress to investigate how the variables constructed for this study are related to direct measures of EHR use.

Development and initial evaluation of the Clinical Information Systems Success Model (CISSM)

PURPOSE

Most clinical information systems (CIS) today are technically sound, but the number of successful implementations of these systems is low. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a theoretically based integrated CIS Success Model (CISSM) from the nurse perspective.

METHODS

Model predictors of CIS success were taken from existing research on information systems acceptance, user satisfaction, use intention, user behavior and perceptions, as well as clinical research. Data collected online from 234 registered nurses in four hospitals were used to test the model. Each nurse had used the Cerner Power Chart Admission Health Profile for at least 3 months.

RESULTS

Psychometric testing and factor analysis of the 23-item CISSM instrument established its construct validity and reliability. Initial analysis showed nurses' satisfaction with and dependency on CIS use predicted their perceived CIS use Net Benefit. Further analysis identified Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions as other predictors of CIS user Net Benefit. The level of hospital CIS integration may account for the role of CIS Use Dependency in the success of CIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience, CISSM provides a formative as well as summative tool for evaluating CIS success from the nurse's perspective.

Factors of accepting pain management decision support systems by nurse anesthetists

BACKGROUND

Pain management is a critical but complex issue for the relief of acute pain, particularly for postoperative pain and severe pain in cancer patients. It also plays important roles in promoting quality of care. The introduction of pain management decision support systems (PM-DSS) is considered a potential solution for addressing the complex problems encountered in pain management. This study aims to investigate factors affecting acceptance of PM-DSS from a nurse anesthetist perspective.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from nurse anesthetists in a case hospital. A total of 113 questionnaires were distributed, and 101 complete copies were returned, indicating a valid response rate of 89.3%. Collected data were analyzed by structure equation modeling using the partial least square tool.

RESULTS

The results show that perceived information quality (γ=.451, p<.001), computer self-efficacy (γ=.315, p<.01), and organizational structure (γ=.210, p<.05), both significantly impact nurse anesthetists' perceived usefulness of PM-DSS. Information quality (γ=.267, p<.05) significantly impacts nurse anesthetists' perceptions of PM-DSS ease of use. Furthermore, both perceived ease of use (β=.436, p<.001, R(2)=.487) and perceived usefulness (β=.443, p<.001, R(2)=.646) significantly affected nurse anesthetists' PM-DSS acceptance (R2=.640). Thus, the critical role of information quality in the development of clinical decision support system is demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study enable hospital managers to understand the important considerations for nurse anesthetists in accepting PM-DSS, particularly for the issues related to the improvement of information quality, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the system. In addition, the results also provide useful suggestions for designers and implementers of PM-DSS in improving system development.

Contribuições dos registros eletrônicos para a segurança do paciente em terapia intensiva: uma revisão integrativa

Revisão integrativa que analisou nas publicações as contribuições dos registros eletrônicos em saúde para a segurança do paciente em unidades de terapia intensiva. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados CINAHL, MEDLINE e SciELO, utilizando os descritores: registros eletrônicos de saúde, sistemas de informação, informática em enfermagem, informática médica, unidades de terapia intensiva, segurança do paciente e gerenciamento de segurança. Foram incluídos 64 artigos, sendo analisados em três categorias: "sistemas de informação e informática em saúde: o registro eletrônico para a continuidade do cuidado de Enfermagem", "sistemas de apoio à decisão: contribuições para a segurança do paciente" e "indicadores de qualidade do cuidado e de segurança do paciente partir dos registros eletrônicos". Os estudos apontaram como contribuições a continuidade do cuidado, a tomada de decisão baseada nos sistemas de apoio à decisão e a criação de indicadores de qualidade e segurança do paciente a partir dos registros eletrônicos.

Community-based, interdisciplinary geriatric care team satisfaction with an electronic health record: a multimethod study

This multimethod study measured the impact of an electronic health record (EHR) on clinician satisfaction with clinical process. Subjects were 39 clinicians at a Program of All-inclusive Care for Elders (PACE) site in Philadelphia utilizing an EHR. Methods included the evidence-based evaluation framework, Health Information Technology Research-Based Evaluation Framework, which guided assessment of clinician satisfaction with surveys, observations, follow-up interviews, and actual EHR use at two points in time. Mixed-methods analysis of findings provided context for interpretation and improved validity. The study found that clinicians were satisfied with the EHR; however, satisfaction declined between time periods. Use of EHR was universal and wide and was differentiated by clinical role. Between time periods, EHR use increased in volume, with increased timeliness and decreased efficiency. As the first EHR evaluation at a PACE site from the perspective of clinicians who use the system, this study provides insights into EHR use in the care of older people in community-based healthcare settings.

Factors determining nurse acceptance of hospital information systems

This study proposed an evaluation model, derived from the Technology Acceptance Model and Information System Success Model, to explore factors influencing the acceptance of hospital information systems by nurses. Although many healthcare institutions have applied hospital information systems, relatively few studies have investigated the perceptions of nurses regarding the usefulness, ease of use, or acceptance of these systems. This study recruited the nursing staff of a regional hospital in Taiwan. A total of 297 questionnaires were sent, and 277 were returned, for a response rate of 93.3%. The results indicated that system quality, information quality, and service quality were positively correlated with the perceived ease of use (R=0.69) and perceived usefulness (R=0.72). Information quality has the greatest influence on perceived usefulness (γ3=0.57, P<.001) and ease of use (γ4=0.61, P<.001). Perceived usefulness and ease of use have a significant influence on system acceptance (R=0.75). Perceived usefulness (β1=0.61, P<.001) has a significant influence on system acceptance. These findings indicated that nursing care requires high-quality healthcare information to support the daily activities of nursing professionals. The results of this study also provide a valuable reference for hospital administrators in developing hospital information systems.

A new instrument for measuring clinician satisfaction with electronic health records

A new survey instrument was developed and validated to measure clinician (nurse) satisfaction with electronic health record impact on clinical process. The Health Information Technology Reference-Based Evaluation Framework guided the selection of evaluation dimensions for the survey. Survey questions were gathered from existing health information technology satisfaction surveys that reflected individual evaluation concepts, such as efficiency or benefits. Decisions about data-gathering methods (e.g., item selection) were made based on reviews of literature and surveys of clinician satisfaction with health information technology and expert input. Preliminary instrument validation was accomplished using qualitative and statistical analysis of five repeated sets of responses from clinicians at the pilot site and field administrations repeated twice at electronic health record implementation and paper-based comparison sites and by analyzing convergent evidence from observations and interviews. Reliability was assessed on one sample: 30 graduate nursing students at the single pilot site. Validity was assessed on three separate samples: (1) graduate nursing students (n = 30), (2) field test at a site with electronic health record (n = 39 participants), and (3) field test at a paper-based site (n = 17). The implementation and comparison sites are Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly that provide managed day care for frail elderly. Survey responses were assessed for test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and content and construct validity. The instrument design enables its administration before and after electronic health record implementation. Work to date suggests the instrument is reliable and valid; it is offered to electronic health record evaluators for further testing and application.

An empirical study of physicians' acceptance of hospital information systems in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the key factors affecting the acceptance of hospital information systems (HIS) by physicians based on an extensive technology acceptance model. This model consists of six constructs: System quality, information quality, service quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and HIS acceptance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survey research targeted physicians in the selected case hospital as subjects. Of 131 questionnaires sent out, 81 completed forms were returned (a valid response rate of 64.8%). The partial least squares approach was used to analyze the collected data.

RESULTS

This study shows that system quality and information quality are significant factors influencing perceived ease of use of HIS, while information quality and service quality are key factors affecting perceived usefulness of HIS. Results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly affect HIS acceptance (R(2)=0.545) from the physician's perspective.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study can help managers understand the key considerations affecting HIS development and use and provide important reference material for system improvement.

A study of factors affecting acceptance of hospital information systems: a nursing perspective

BACKGROUND

Hospital information systems (HISs) are widely used in Taiwan, and HIS performance must be carefully evaluated. Nursing personnel are the largest group of staff in a hospital and are the center of care delivery; thus, they play an important role in the adoption and evaluation of HISs.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to explore the critical factors affecting the acceptance of HISs in Taiwan from a nursing perspective. On the basis of the technology acceptance model, we used six exogenous variables (system quality, information quality, user self-efficacy, compatibility, top management support, and project team competency) as investigation factors.

METHODS

Survey research targeted nursing personnel in the selected case hospital as participants. A total of 545 questionnaires were sent out, and 501 were returned, indicating a valid response rate of 91.9%. Collected data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

: Results indicate that user self-efficacy, top management support, compatibility, and information quality have significant impacts on perceived ease of use. In addition, top management support, compatibility, and information quality were identified as having significant impacts on perceived usefulness. Furthermore, nurses' perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on HISs was found to impact significantly on system acceptance, with 45.1% of the total explained variance.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Results can help managers understand key considerations affecting HIS development and use and may be applied as a reference for system development and improvement.

Strengths and limitations of the electronic health record for documenting clinical events

The purpose of this research was to compare nurses' perceptions of the strengths and limitations of the electronic health record with and without nursing languages for documenting and retrieving patient information regarding a clinical event. The effectiveness of the electronic health record to facilitate nurse-to-nurse communication is not well understood. Furthermore, little is known how nurse-to-nurse communication influences patient safety and failure-to-rescue events. This qualitative study used a descriptive design in which open-ended, semistructured interviews were conducted with 37 registered nurses. Qualitative content analysis produced 260 thematic units from which five categories emerged: usability, legibility, communication, workarounds, and collaboration. Nurses perceived aspects of usability as strengths (retrievability) and limitations (lack of efficiency and barriers) of the electronic health record. Furthermore, within the category communication, lack of relevance of the documentation was also viewed as a limitation by the nurses. Nurses suggested that they be involved in electronic health record decisions and that hospitals try to reduce the identified barriers to electronic health record use.

Nurses' experience of using electronic patient records in everyday practice in acute/inpatient ward settings: A literature review

Electronic patient record (EPR) systems have a huge impact on nursing documentation. Although the largest group of end-users of EPRs, nurses have had minimal input in their design. This study aimed to review current research on how nurses experience using the EPR for documentation. A literature search was conducted in Medline and Cinahl of original, peer-reviewed articles from 2000 to 2009, focusing on nurses in acute/ inpatient ward settings. After critical assessment, two quantitative and three qualitative articles were included in the study. Results showed that nurses experience widespread dissatisfaction with systems. Current systems are not designed to meet the needs of clinical practice as they are not user-friendly, resulting in a potentially negative impact on individualized care and patient safety. There is an urgent need for nurses to be directly involved in software design to ensure that the essence and complexity of nursing is not lost in the system.

Implementation of customized health information technology in diabetes self management programs

PURPOSE

The project was a nurse-led implementation of a software application, designed to combine clinical and demographic records for a diabetes education program, which would result in secure, long-term record storage.

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE

Clinical information systems may be prohibitively expensive for small practices and require extensive training for implementation. A review of the literature suggests that the use of simple, practice-based registries offer an economical method of monitoring the outcomes of diabetic patients.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The database was designed using a common software application, Microsoft Access. The theory used to guide implementation and staff training was Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory (1995).

OUTCOMES

Outcomes after a 3-month period included incorporation of 100% of new clinical and demographic patient records into the database and positive changes in staff attitudes regarding software applications used in diabetes self-management training. These objectives were met while keeping project costs under budgeted amounts.

CONCLUSIONS

As a function of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) researcher role, there is a need for CNSs to identify innovative and economical methods of data collection. The success of this nurse-led project reinforces suggestions in the literature for less costly methods of data maintenance in small practice settings. Ongoing utilization and enhancement have resulted in the creation of a robust database that could aid in the research of multiple clinical issues.

IMPLICATIONS

Clinical nurse specialists can use existing evidence to guide and improve both their own practice and outcomes for patients and organizations. Further research regarding specific factors that predict efficient transition of informatics applications, how these factors vary according to practice settings, and the role of the CNS in implementation of such applications is needed.