How do GPs versus GP trainees adapt to electronic health records? A Portuguese pilot study

Abstract

Background: This study compares general practitioners (GPs) and general practice trainees (GPTs) on the adaptation to the electronic health records (EHRs) and how they perceive its impact on medical consultations. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. The link for an online questionnaire was sent to mainland Portuguese health care centre groups. Results: A total of 147 physicians (100 females and 47 males). GPs had more learning difficulties in using the EHR (P < 0.05), greater difficulty in keeping regular updated records (P < 0.001) and a more noticeable fear of the possibility of occurring prescription errors (P < 0.05), when compared with GPTs. Most GPs (75%) and GPTs (80.4%) are satisfied with how they use the EHR. Conclusions: Most participants have adhered to the EHR, and are satisfied with its use. A negative impact on medical consultations was not observed. However, it is the group of GPs that is less adapted to the electronic system. Copyright © 2014 The Author(s).