Physicians’ concept of time usage – A key concern in EPR deployment

Abstract

This paper is based on an interview study with 19 resident, specialist and senior physicians. The study was initiated by a Swedish Hospital management to investigate physicians’ attitude towards their EPR (Electronic Patient Records) and give recommendations for improvement in organization, development, deployment and training. The management had experienced that the physicians were unwilling to take part in the EPR deployment process and simultaneously complained about the low usability and potential safety risks of the systems. The study shows that the EPR must be considered a shared responsibility within the whole organization and not just a property of the IT department. The physicians must consider, and really experience, EPR as efficient support in their daily work rather than something they are forced to use. This includes considering work with the EPR as an important part of their work with patients.