Implementation and use of electronic patient records in the Brazilian Air Force: a cross-sectional study1

The objective was to analyze the implementation and use of the electronic patient record in the health services of the Brazilian Air Force.

This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 234 physicians, between March and May 2021. The data collection instrument was sent by email. The electronic patient record was implemented in the Air Force approximately 3 years ago (64.5%), and about 81% of the physicians received training to operate it.

The most common records involve data related to consultations (90.1%) and interviews with physical examination (67.1%). Physicians cited that information storage (75.6%), agility, and feasibility of recording (55.1%) were the main advantages of the electronic patient record. As disadvantages, problems in electronic equipment (69.7%) and system errors (65%) were reported. Most participants considered that the implementation had a positive impact on work dynamics (75.6%) and productivity (66.7%), mainly regarding the components "Work processes" (57.3%) and "Amount of carried out activities" (21.4%). Keeping records was significantly associated with the job position (p<0.001), type of unit (p=0.008), time of implementation (p<0.001), and participation in training (p=0.028).

The implementation of the electronic patient record in the Air Force was recently done, and just over half of the physicians were trained prior to the implementation. The tool is considered compatible with work processes and has a positive effect on productivity.