The contribution of office-based EMR systems to the performance of family physicians and primary care medical practices

Abstract

In this study we sought to better understand how EMR systems are actually being used by family physicians and what they perceive to be the performance outcomes for themselves and their medical practices. To achieve our objectives, we conducted a survey of family physicians in Quebec, Canada and obtained responses from 331 user physicians. Key findings reveal that EMR systems 'as-used' vary from one physician to another in terms of the EMR capabilities that are actually mobilized by them. Two user profiles were identified, that is, Meaningful and Basic users. Significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of physician demographics and system characteristics. In terms of perceived outcomes, physicians were clustered under three profiles that could be clearly distinguished from one another, namely Highly Impacted, Slightly Impacted and Non Impacted users. Findings show that Highly Impacted physicians are those who are the most experienced with EMRs and those who make the most wide-ranging use of their system capabilities. Practical and research implications of this study are discussed.