[New technologies and nursing. Use and perception of primary health care nurses about electronic health record]

To analyze the nurses make use of electronic health records (EHR) and assess their perception of it.

A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2010 analyzing the nurses' perceptions of adult and pediatric consultations of primary health care teams in Baix Llobregat (Catalonia) in which the EHR is used. The study variables were: registration of care, continuity of care, training, usability and sociodemographic composition of the sample. The statistical analysis was descriptive.

Nurses agree that EHR provides "continuity of care" in relation to nursing care (mean 2.03, Sd.0.83) and overall (mean 2.19, 5d.0.83). Show indifference to the "usability" of the EHR (mean 3.26, Sd.0.5), to facilitate the "record information" (mean 2.69, Sd.0.68) and the need for "training" in the use of EHR (mean 2.6, 5d.0.59). It has been found that with increasing age of the nurse, it shows more agreement that the EHR provides greater continuity of care overall. The average ratings of the continuum of care nurse, recording of information, continuity of care in general are greater the lead time using the EHR.

The nurses' perceptions regarding the EHR are positive in that it provides continuity of care and to exchange information on patient health data.