Advanced Practice Nurses' Meaningful use of electronic health records

The aim of this study was to better understand electronic health records (EHRs) use among advanced practice nurses (APNs).

EHRs are becoming an integral part of the U.S. health care system. Federal law was enacted with provisions that offer incentive payments to eligible professionals and hospitals who use EHRs. Little is known about APNs' EHR use.

A quantitative, non-experimental research design was used. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Two thirds of the APNs were EHR-user. Statistically significant differences between EHR-users and non-users were found in age categories, practice setting, practice size, and in tasks related to imagery report review and care coordination. EHR use was associated with higher odds of practicing in hospital, and employment longevity, but with decreased odds in the number of patients seen per day.

With one third of the APNs being EHR non-users, more efforts are needed to help guide the adoption and diffusion of EHRs in practice.