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Socio-technical considerations in epilepsy electronic patient record implementation.
Mc Quaid, Louise Breen, Patricia Grimson, Jane Normand, Charles Dunne, Mary Delanty, Norman Kalra, Dipak Fitzsimons, Mary
Mc Quaid, Louise
Breen, Patricia
Grimson, Jane
Normand, Charles
Dunne, Mary
Delanty, Norman
Kalra, Dipak
Fitzsimons, Mary
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2010-05
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Attitude to Computers
Documentation
Epilepsy
Health Plan Implementation
Humans
Medical Records Systems, Computerized
Pilot Projects
Social Environment
Documentation
Epilepsy
Health Plan Implementation
Humans
Medical Records Systems, Computerized
Pilot Projects
Social Environment
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Examination of electronic patient record (EPR) implementation at the socio-technical interface. This study was based on the introduction of an anti-epileptic drug (AED) management module of an EPR in an epilepsy out-patient clinic. The objective was to introduce the module to a live clinical setting within strictly controlled conditions to evaluate its usability and usefulness.
Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in an observational field study. A purposeful sample of specialists in epilepsy care (2 doctors and 2 nurses) was recruited. Perception of usefulness and ease of use of the AED module, impact on work processes, and accuracy of use were evaluated using feedback meetings, evaluation forms, ethnographic analysis and data validation techniques. Emerging issues were grouped into three key themes: human, organisational and technological.
The electronic patient record use was studied for 49 patients over the course of 18 out-patient clinics. While participants varied in their approach to interacting with the AED module, they expressed satisfaction with its usability and performance. The necessary co-existence of the paper and electronic record, and changes to customary work practice were considered the biggest challenges. 82% accuracy in the use of the electronic record was determined.
Achieving successful electronic patient record implementation is complex. While technical challenges exist, it is possibly more important to acknowledge the social considerations. Initially, an increase in medical record fragmentation and disruption to workflow can arise with the introduction of the technology. Realising the benefits of electronic patient records will require the management of a lengthy transition phase.
Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in an observational field study. A purposeful sample of specialists in epilepsy care (2 doctors and 2 nurses) was recruited. Perception of usefulness and ease of use of the AED module, impact on work processes, and accuracy of use were evaluated using feedback meetings, evaluation forms, ethnographic analysis and data validation techniques. Emerging issues were grouped into three key themes: human, organisational and technological.
The electronic patient record use was studied for 49 patients over the course of 18 out-patient clinics. While participants varied in their approach to interacting with the AED module, they expressed satisfaction with its usability and performance. The necessary co-existence of the paper and electronic record, and changes to customary work practice were considered the biggest challenges. 82% accuracy in the use of the electronic record was determined.
Achieving successful electronic patient record implementation is complex. While technical challenges exist, it is possibly more important to acknowledge the social considerations. Initially, an increase in medical record fragmentation and disruption to workflow can arise with the introduction of the technology. Realising the benefits of electronic patient records will require the management of a lengthy transition phase.
Language
en
ISSN
1872-8243
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2010.01.013
PMID
20181511