Validation of the Technological Change Framework: A Case Study of Challenges of Physicians by using Electronic Health Record Systems (EHRs) in a Developing Country

摘要

The Electronic Health Record System is an innovative technology in the health care sector with many arguments about benefits and challenges. Despite the potential positive effects, the rate of adoption of such systems is lower in developing countries, primarily due to rejection from physicians. Physicians are the main users of EHRs and according to different studies they are in the position of being able to influence the adoption of EHR systems either positively or negatively. The purpose of this study is to determine, evaluate and analyze the challenges perceived by physicians, using a modified Technological Change Framework. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from physicians in the hospitals of Pakistan through random sampling, through which three hundred and twenty one valid physicians participated in the survey from both public and private hospitals. The results analyzed using SPSS to evaluate various challenges faced by the physicians. The study identified challenges related to age, gender, ethnicity, speciality, technology type, functionality, usability issues, job control, workload, clarity, challenge, role ambiguity, job satisfaction, stress, self reported health, information, training and participation. However, Personal Characteristics and Technological Change Process are the two main categories of challenges in order to decrease the use and adoption rate of EHRs in the developing world.