Abstract
Hospitals implement electronic medical record systems (EMRSs) that are intended to
support medical and nursing staff in their daily work. Evolution toward more computerization
seems inescapable. Nevertheless, this evolution introduced new problems of organization.
This before-and-after observational study evaluated the door-to-first-medical-contact
(FMC) times before and after the introduction of EMRS. A satisfaction questionnaire,
administered after the “after” period, measured clinicians' satisfaction concerning
computerization in routine clinical use. The following 5 questions were asked: Do
you spare time in your note taking with EMRS? Do you spare time in the medical care
that you provide to the patients with EMRS? Does EMRS improve the quality of medical
care for your patients? Are you satisfied with the EMRS implementation? Would you
prefer a return to handwritten records?
Results showed an increase in door-to-FMC time induced by EMRS and a lower triage
capacity. In the satisfaction questionnaire, clinicians reported minimal satisfaction
but refused to return to handwritten records.
The increase in door-to-FMC time may be explained by the improved quantity/quality
of data and by the many interruptions due to the software. Medical reorganization
was requested after the installation of the EMRS.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: October 26, 2011
Accepted:
June 10,
2011
Received in revised form:
June 7,
2011
Received:
April 29,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
