Implementation of an e-Tool (the Provider Asthma Assessment Form) Integrated Into the Electronic Medical Record in...

Asthma care gaps between best practice and clinical practice contribute to the burden of asthma on individuals and society. Electronic medical records (EMRs) provide a unique opportunity to integrate novel e-tools at the point of care.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived utility, health care practitioner satisfaction, and barriers and enablers associated with the implementation of the Provider Asthma Assessment Form (PAAF), a novel e-tool integrated into the primary care EMR.

Health care practitioners (n=80) at a family health team were invited by email to participate in a voluntary survey regarding their use of the PAAF in their role within the family health team. Respondents who had used the PAAF were asked to assess its perceived utility, their satisfaction with it, and any associated barriers and enablers. Responses were analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis to identify major themes.

In total, 18 responses were included, including 4 (22.2%) from practitioners who had used the form and 12 (66.7%) from practitioners who had not. Overall, most practitioners who used the form were satisfied with the PAAF and reported that it was helpful in clinical practice, aided decision-making, and was user-friendly. Enablers such as detailed documentation, decision support, and multidisciplinary involvement were identified. Several barriers were also identified, including time constraints, lack of knowledge and training regarding the use of the form, limited opportunity to use it, and limited availability of necessary data elements to complete the PAAF.

The PAAF was perceived to be a useful and largely satisfactory e-tool by responding practitioners. However, several barriers limited user uptake and sustained use. Future directions for PAAF implementation include increased tailoring to the needs of primary care teams and leveraging technological advancements. Lessons learned from the PAAF can inform the development and implementation of novel e-tools in primary care EMRs.