Physicians' use of and attitudes toward electronic medical record system implemented at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed at investigating the usefulness of an electronic medical record [EMR] system implemented at a large teaching hospital in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, data about physician computer background and experience, level of use of core EMR system functions and physician satisfaction with EMR functions were collected from physicians employed at the target hospital for more than one year [n=142]. Results revealed that high percentage of physicians were dissatisfied with EMR system ability to add content, to send messages, to access reference materials and to get timely IT support. Over 75% of physicians indicated positive impact of EMR on work and quality of care. Varying percentages of physicians [0.0 - 54.9%] never used one or more of the 10 investigated core EMR functions. Multinomial logistic regression showed that satisfaction with the EMR system and experience with computers were significantly associated with the use of EMR. It was concluded that the benefits of the EMR are not fully achieved at the study hospital as many core functions are either unknown or never used by physicians. Improvement of the current EMR training and improvement of key identified aspects of the EMR system are likely to improve physicians' use of the system