The EHR's roles in collaboration between providers: A qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• US healthcare systems are implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) concurrently with shifts towards collaborative care models.
• This study investigates the interplay between EHR adoption and the development of collaborative healthcare delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and associated systems influence provider collaboration.
• To identify specific roles EHRs play in supporting or impeding collaborative practices among healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving five Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementations in the US.
• Data collection included 49 provider interviews and over 60 hours of direct observation.
• Analysis focused on the EHR's impact on relationship building, communication, coordination, and decision-making.

Main Results:

• The EHR functions as a repository, messenger, orchestrator, and monitor in collaborative settings.
• Common findings include diminished trust from poor documentation, incomplete communication, and potential for enhanced coordination.
• EHRs are emerging as tools for identifying performance gaps within healthcare teams.

Conclusions:

• Realizing the full collaborative potential of EHRs requires both organizational and technical advancements.
• Innovations in both system design and workflow integration are crucial for fostering effective provider collaboration.