Implementation of EPR-Youth, a Client-Accessible and Multidisciplinary Health Record; A Mixed-Methods Process...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Digital Health
• Adolescent Healthcare

Background:

• Client-accessible electronic health records can improve integrated care and client engagement.
• Three Dutch organizations developed the electronic patient record for youth (EPR-Youth) to facilitate this.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of the EPR-Youth system.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to its adoption and use.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating system data, observations, surveys, and focus groups.
• Participants included parents, adolescents, healthcare professionals, and implementation stakeholders.

Main Results:

• Client portal acceptability was high, but adoption varied by age and education.
• Professionals' concerns stemmed from a lack of system knowledge.
• Co-creation complexity, leadership gaps, and legal concerns were implementation barriers.

Conclusions:

• The initial implementation of EPR-Youth was successful.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed to address client-specific barriers and enhance professional training.
• Organizational changes supporting situational leadership are recommended for successful co-creation.