Physicians' Experiences on EHR Usability: A Time Series from 2010, 2014 and 2017

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Medical Systems Research

Background:

• National-level monitoring of healthcare information systems is increasingly important.
• Physician usability experiences with electronic health record (EHR) systems are critical for system adoption and effectiveness.
• Previous research indicates varied usability trends in EHR systems globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolution of Finnish physicians' usability experiences with EHR systems from 2010 to 2017.
• To identify specific changes in EHR usability across different healthcare settings (healthcare centers vs. hospitals).
• To provide data for national guidance on healthcare information system development.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design utilizing three data collection points (2010, 2014, 2017).
• Data collected from Finnish physicians in public healthcare centers and hospitals.
• Analysis of responses to six standardized usability statements regarding EHR systems.

Main Results:

• Physicians in healthcare centers reported a worsening trend in EHR usability between 2010 and 2017.
• Physicians in hospitals experienced only slight improvements in EHR ease of use.
• Overall, no significant improvements in EHR usability were observed across the surveyed years, contrary to expectations.

Conclusions:

• EHR usability in Finland has not shown expected improvements among physicians between 2010 and 2017.
• Deterioration in usability was noted in healthcare centers, while hospitals saw marginal gains.
• Continued national-level monitoring of EHR systems from physician perspectives is recommended for future development.