Exploring Experiences with Electronic Medical Records in Norwegian Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Jan-Tore Lium, Aksel Tjora, Arild Faxvaag
Primary Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Hypothesis
How do clinicians experience working in a paper-deprived information environment after implementing electronic medical records?
Conclusion
The removal of paper-based records was seen as useful, but many old routines persisted, limiting the EMR system's potential benefits.
Supporting Evidence
- Physicians reported that the EMR system improved access to patient information.
- Younger clinicians adapted to the EMR system more quickly than senior clinicians.
- Instances of downtime affected clinicians' attitudes towards the EMR system.
Takeaway
Doctors in two hospitals found that while using computers for patient records was helpful, they still did many things the old way, which made it harder to get the full benefits of the new system.
Methodology
Qualitative study based on 18 semi-structured interviews with physicians.
Limitations
The study focused only on two hospitals, which may not represent all hospitals' experiences with EMR systems.
Participant Demographics
Physicians from two Norwegian hospitals, including interns, residents, and senior physicians.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website