Satisfaction after the transition between electronic health record systems at six ambulatory practices

Early adopters of electronic health records (EHRs) are transitioning from older to newer EHRs to satisfy meaningful use requirements. Facilitators and barriers to satisfaction after transitioning are important to understand as provider satisfaction is linked with improvement in health care.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of providers who transitioned from an older to a newer EHR at six academic, urban ambulatory medical practices. A novel survey was developed to assess: (1) satisfaction with the EHR implementation; (2) patterns of information technology use; (3) work perceptions; (4) methods for completing clinical tasks; and (5) demographic characteristics. We analysed the results using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

The response rate was 64% (n = 197). A small majority were satisfied with the new EHR (64%, n = 120). Providers who reported satisfaction with overall quality of work life, their workload and the transition were more likely to be satisfied with the new EHR (P < 0.01). Providers who reported using the Internet at least daily were also more likely to be satisfied with the new EHR (P < 0.05). In a multivariate model, satisfaction with the transition was a strong predictor of satisfaction with the new EHR (P < 0.01). Barriers to satisfaction include dissatisfaction with: maintaining problem and medication lists, tracking health maintenance information, referring to clinical practice guidelines and ordering laboratory and radiology tests (P < 0.01).

This study provides groundwork for understanding the facilitators and barriers to provider satisfaction after the transition between EHRs and provides insight into areas requiring attention by entities undergoing similar transitions.