Instant availability of patient records, but diminished availability of patient information: A multi-method study of GP's use of electronic patient records
2008

Study of GPs' Use of Electronic Patient Records

Sample size: 247 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tom Christensen, Anders Grimsmo

Primary Institution: Norwegian EHR Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Hypothesis

What are the benefits and effects of electronic patient records (EPR) from the perspective of GPs and patients?

Conclusion

GPs are generally satisfied with their EPR systems, but there are still unmet needs and functionality to be covered.

Supporting Evidence

  • 95% of Norwegian GPs have adopted EPR systems.
  • GPs reported that EPRs save time compared to paper records.
  • Many GPs find it difficult to access relevant information in EPRs.

Takeaway

Doctors use computers to keep track of patient information, but sometimes it's hard to find what they need quickly.

Methodology

A combined qualitative and quantitative study using focus groups, observations, and a questionnaire survey of GPs.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the authors' backgrounds as GPs.

Limitations

The study may not represent all GPs as the selection was not randomized.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 23 GPs from 20 different medical practices.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6947-8-12

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