Extending large-scale electronic health records to Canadian family physicians: Perspectives from a clinical trainer

摘要

Electronic health records (EHRs) are becoming increasingly popular and their potential value is recognized internationally.1 In a recent survey of 788 family physicians across all Canadian provinces, 97.5% of the respondents reported using computers in their practices, and 67.5% reported using EHRs.2 Nonetheless, countries attempting to implement large-scale EHR programs have reported a number of barriers to their implementation and misperceptions about their use.3 For example, one study found that the software program’s developers and its users often diverged in their opinions about how well a system or upgrade would meet user needs.4 More specifically, a survey of family doctors in Quebec found that the number of system functions used by individuals varied, as did their understanding of the functions available to them.5 A systematic review by McGinn et al6 identified design or technical concerns, privacy and security concerns, and cost issues as the most frequent barriers to EHR implementation. The lead author’s (Dr Gary Viner’s) experience confirms the challenges these barriers pose at both the personal and the institutional levels.