Physicians’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Use of Electronic Medical Record Systems in Riyadh

Abstract

Aim: This study explores the perceptions of physicians and their attitudes toward the implementation of the electronic medical record (EMR) in general hospitals in Riyadh to identify the perceived difficulties, burdens, and usefulness of implementing electronic medical records. It also aims to identify key demographic factors and training determinant predictors that may help explain physicians’ perceptions of EMRs. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in three general hospitals in Riyadh using a self-administered questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted to test the questionnaire’s reliability, and random cluster sampling was used to build the sample. Responses were rated using a Likert-type scale. Results: A total of 160 physicians filled out the questionnaire. The majority of physicians (91.3%) stated that they had heard of the EMR. Physicians rated their agreement on the usefulness of implementing the EMR positively (mean score, 3.8/5). Similar, most physicians generally agreed that the EMR could enhance their productivity (mean score, 3.6/5), prevent documentation error (mean score, 3.8/5), improve the quality of services (mean score, 3.8/5), improve the ease of finding patient records (mean score, 4.1/5), improve communication (mean score, 3.8/5), and save their patients’ time (mean score, 3.5/5). However, physicians perceived lack of technical support and reliability of the information from other hospitals as potential burdens. Pearson’s correlation test showed that greater belief in the effectiveness of the EMR was significantly associated with greater belief in its usefulness (r = 0.81, p<0.01). Likewise, greater physician perception of expected technical support was significantly associated with greater physician perception of effectiveness (r = 0.61, p<0.01). Conclusion: There is a necessity for formal educational programs to improve physicians’ overall attitude toward the EMR. Key words: Electronic medical record, Medical records, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia