Evaluation of EMR Implementation in a Private Hospital from User’s Perspective

Implementation of an electronic medical record system increases efficiency of health services, quality of care and patient satisfaction. Successful implementation depends on multiple factors; one of which is users’ response to EMR. This study aimed to assess physicians and nurses’ views on the use, quality and user satisfaction with EMR at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. Since its inception the Hospital is accredited for being Pakistan’s first paperless hospital. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate use, quality and user satisfaction with EMR. The questionnaire assessed: 1) computer related experience; 2) perceptions regarding EMR use; 3) quality of EMR system and 4) level of satisfaction with EMR system. The response rate was 75% nurses and 61% physicians. It was found that 80% of the respondents used EMR to obtain results of patients’ investigations and test reports. 81.6% respondents were of the opinion that the EMR System provides the needed information about patients and reported their satisfaction with the accuracy of the system. Concerning user satisfaction with EMR, 94.6% of EMR users believed that EMR is a useful system and 90.8% agreed on its significance for the better care of the patients. Type of respondents emerged as a significant correlate with overall users’ satisfaction (p < 0.05). 90% respondents emphasized on a user-friendly EMR system and adequate training on its usage. Besides respondents, gender and computer related experience have also significantly correlated with various aspects of use, quality and user satisfaction with EMR (p < 0.05). We were unable to correlate age with satisfaction with an EMR. EMR implementation positively effects workflow and practice efficiency in a hospital. This study provides a systematic evaluation of various d imens ions of EMR and its correlates which is essential to understand reasons and barriers for success, and methods to increase success in EMR implementation. Hospital management should ensure the availability of technical expertise along with adequate training of HMIS staff. Keywords-component: EMR; User’s Perspective; Quality; User Satisfaction; Private Hospital.