Informed decisions by clinicians are fundamental for EPR implementation

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Clinical Systems
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Electronic patient record (EPR) systems are often adopted based on anticipated technological advantages.
• The transition from paper-based patient records (PPR) to EPR automates tasks and improves information distribution.
• However, the full realization of EPR benefits is contingent upon clinical application and user engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the critical role of clinicians in realizing the benefits of EPR systems.
• To introduce the 'price to pay' concept, highlighting the human effort required for healthcare improvement with EPR.
• To emphasize that successful EPR implementation hinges on effective clinician utilization for enhanced quality of care.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of EPR implementation benefits.
• Introduction of the 'price to pay' framework to assess human effort in healthcare improvement.
• Qualitative assessment of clinician roles in EPR adoption and utilization.

Main Results:

• EPR adoption alone does not guarantee improved healthcare quality.
• The effective use of EPR applications by clinicians is paramount for achieving tangible benefits.
• Significant human effort is necessary to translate EPR technology into improved patient care outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The true value of EPR systems is unlocked through active and skilled clinician engagement.
• Healthcare organizations must recognize and invest in the human element of EPR implementation.
• Clinicians are central to leveraging EPR technology for enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.