RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Impacts on quality of care following electronic health record implementation within a large Canadian community hospital: a qualitative study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e097646
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-097646
VO 15
IS 4
A1 Vanderhout, Shelley
A1 Taneja, Shipra
A1 Heidebrecht, Christine L
A1 Nie, Jason X
A1 Seuren, Lucas
A1 Giri, Rujuta
A1 Tang, Terence
A1 Mansfield, Elizabeth
A1 Kuluski, Kerry
A1 Wodchis, Walter P
YR 2025
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/4/e097646.abstract
AB Objective This study aimed to describe how healthcare providers perceived the impacts of implementing and using an electronic health record (EHR) on quality, safety and person-centredness of care.Design A qualitative descriptive design using semistructured interviews.Setting In October 2020, a large Canadian community hospital implemented a new EHR system (Epic) across three sites, transitioning from a previously fragmented (combination of paper-based and electronic) system.Participants Sixty-two healthcare providers and clinical leaders.Results Participants shared their experiences regarding the impact of EHR implementation on quality of care, which were analysed into common themes including task efficiency, information management, patient interactions and patient safety. While the system significantly altered their routines and introduced new responsibilities like additional documentation requirements, it also facilitated adherence to clinical guidelines, improved information visibility and enhanced documentation, benefiting overall quality of care and patient safety. Participants reported that EHR implementation led to increased efficiency, freeing up time for patient care and improving communication with patients and other providers.Conclusion EHRs have the potential to improve quality of care and patient safety, but this depends on their perceived value and how well healthcare providers can integrate their various features into clinical routines.No data are available. No data are available as participants did not consent for their data to be shared outside of the study team.