Perioperative nurses' attitudes toward the electronic health record.

BACKGROUND The adoption of an electronic health record (EHR) is mandated under current health care legislation reform. The EHR provides data that are patient centered and improves patient safety. There are limited data; however, regarding the attitudes of perioperative nurses toward the use of the EHR. PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to identify perioperative nurses' attitudes toward the use of the EHR. DESIGN Quantitative descriptive survey was used to determine attitudes toward the electronic health record. METHODS Perioperative nurses in a southeastern health system completed an online survey to determine their attitudes toward the EHR in providing patient care. FINDINGS Overall, respondents felt the EHR was beneficial, did not add to the workload, improved documentation, and would not eliminate any nursing jobs. CONCLUSIONS Nursing acceptance and the utilization of the EHR are necessary for the successful integration of an EHR and to support the goal of patient-centered care. Identification of attitudes and potential barriers of perioperative nurses in using the EHR will improve patient safety, communication, reduce costs, and empower those who implement an EHR.