Using Communication Theory to Develop an Understanding of Effective EMR Implementation

Abstract Background: Federal legislation requires all physicians to adopt and implement electronic medical record systems (EMRs). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service have defined specific criteria and stages of meaningful use that measure the functionality of implemented EMR systems. The transition from traditional medical records keeping to electronic medical records keeping has proven difficult for many physicians; especially in their attempts to meet the criteria defined by the first stage of meaningful use. The aim of this study is to measure and evaluate perceptions of self efficacy and satisfaction in user-based experiences with EMR systems with the hope of shedding light on more efficient methods of facilitating the successful implementation and use of EMR systems. Methods: A convenient sample of Orange County office-based physicians was administered a web based survey. Levels of perceived self-efficacy, capacity, and satisfaction with EMR system use were measured. Statistical analysis of data collected was performed using SPSS. Results: 60% of physicians hadn't reached meaningful use. 32% of responders were unaware of the core objectives for meaningful use stage 1. 82% of respondents recognized no relative advantage to using an EMR system. 64% recognized no perceived usefulness of EMR systems. There were 25 significant interactions, but only 4 correlations were of interest because of their significant interactions with dependent variables associated with the proposed research questions. The most significant correlation was between perceived proficiency and perceived behavioral control (positive correlation/p value= .0001). Discussion: While several correlations proved to be interesting, time constraints inhibited a more extensive evaluation of the study we conducted and has warranted the need for additional research and further data collection.