A Process Related View on the Usage of Electronic Health Records from the Patients’ Perspective: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in electronic health record (EHR) systems and various approaches of encouraging acceptance. Multiple methods of EHR acceptance have been proposed. However, a systematic review of patient's perspectives of their role and challenges in processing EHR remains lacking. Moreover, so far, there has been little discussion about barriers and facilitators of EHR system acceptance and usage from the patients' perspective. Methods The study was reported according to the PRISMA statement. Six databases were systematically searched using keywords for articles from 2002–2020. We reviewed these data and used an inductive approach to analyse findings. Results A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our systematic literature review results reveal a wide range of barriers and facilitators assigned to four distinct stages of EHR system usage: awareness, adoption, behaviour and perception, and consequences. Results were described in a narrative synthesis of the included empirical studies. Discussion Results underline the necessity to put a particular emphasis – but not exclusively – on the initial stage of awareness in the future. Further research in the field is therefore strongly recommended in order to develop tailored mediated communication to foster EHR system usage in the long run.