Nursing attitudes and images of electronic patient record systems

In an effort to predict nursing intention to adopt and properly use a new electronic patient record system (EPRS), a survey gathered demographic and computer experience information of, and attitude and image profile toward, the EPRS prior to installation. The results showed a somewhat positive overall attitude and age was found to be a significant factor in determining nurses' attitudes toward the EPRS. The image profile for the EPRS revealed a more negative perception of the EPRS by the nursing staff. A regression model, designed to identify variables that would predict attitude and in turn system adoption and use of the EPRS, found that age and image profile predictions were significant. The outcome of this research reinforces the notion that nurses are accepting of new EPRS systems and are somewhat supportive of technology in general, but the image profile draws attention to their concerns for quality healthcare delivery.