Perception versus reality: Does provider documentation behavior change when clinic notes are shared electronically...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Communication
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Secure patient portals enhance patient access to health information, including clinical notes.
• Electronic note sharing shows potential for improving healthcare communication and quality.
• However, some healthcare providers express concerns about sharing notes electronically.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess provider perceptions of electronic note sharing.
• To evaluate the impact of electronic note sharing on provider authoring time using objective EHR data.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods, single-site study was conducted.
• Survey questions from a previous study assessed provider perceptions.
• Objective electronic health record (EHR) data were analyzed for note authoring times pre- and post-implementation.

Main Results:

• A 23.9% response rate was achieved from 628 providers.
• A majority of providers found notes useful for communication and supported patient access.
• While 16% perceived increased authoring time, objective EHR data showed minimal change.

Conclusions:

• Provider concerns regarding increased time for note authoring after electronic sharing were not substantiated by objective EHR data.
• This suggests that electronic note sharing can be implemented without significant workflow disruption.
• Further research may explore patient perspectives and long-term impacts.