Factors Influencing Implementation of an Electronic Medical Record in a Tertiary Cancer Centre

EMRs are one of a range of digital health solutions that are key enablers of the data revolution transforming the health sector. They offer a wide range of benefits to health professionals, patients and other key stakeholders. However, effective implementation has proved challenging.

A qualitative methodology was used in the study. Interviews were conducted with members of a cancer team 12 months post-implementation of an EMR. Data from the interviews was collected via audio recording. Audio recordings were transcribed, de-identified and analyzed to identify the experiences of staff with the EMR.

Data was categorized in to six categories: 1) Standardisation of documentation and completeness of data; 2) Effect on workload; 3) Feature completeness and functionality; 4) Interaction with technical support; 5) Learning curve; 6) Buy-in from staff.

Findings from this study contribute new knowledge on barriers and enablers to the implementation of EMRs in complex clinical settings. Barriers to successful implementation include lack of technical support, perceived increase in workload and a learning curve to fully familiarize with the feature set of the EMR.