In recently years, extensive development has occurred in both the technology and health care industries. Earlier, there were no efficient systems in hospitals; therefore, it was necessary to set up and apply advanced electronic information systems in these institutions. Iran was competitive with developed countries in regards to different technologies; however, the development of electronic medical records (EMRs) required additional improvements. Correct and timely delivery of medical information is the most important parameter to improve the quality of health care, education, and medical research globally. A cross-sectional survey from 2006 attempted to survey a population of 37 teaching hospitals in Tehran to determine the level of utilization of EMRs. The data was collected using a checklist; its reliability and validity were measured and compared with the results of a pilot study (r = 0.9). Results showed that the utilization of EMR systems in hospitals were low (21–40%) and that the most important item was the data transaction between different systems and different hospitals. No hospitals were found to have an electronic connection with other hospitals. In conclusion, EMR systems in teaching hospitals in Tehran are not in wise-spread use. These hospitals do not generally utilize new technologies, perhaps due to a lack of experts in medical informatics or medical records and health information management, insufficient knowledge, or a lack of confidence in EMR systems. Introduction Our society has been changed because of progress in information processing and communication technology. Medical and health knowledge is increasing based on a very amazing rate. When we want to retrieve and use this knowledge, must keep them structured. It is so difficult about new and existing knowledge in this era, without using new information technologies (Mantas & Hasman, 2002).A rapid development of technology and health care industry has occurred during past decades. During these changes, the traditional manual systems could not be efficient and it is necessary to setup and apply electronic information systems in hospitals.It seems very clear that “modern data analysis” is a very different with the methods, which existed in about 1950. Indeed, it is no surprised that “modern data” seems very different from the data types and capacity, which existed before. Computers process the data and produce information as similar as human brain procedures (Mendes-Davidson, 2000).Although Iran could competitive in different technologies with developed countries, in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) had to do many things. Correct and on time medical information are the most important and effective items to improve quality of health care, education and medical research in global and international levels (Jalalifard, 2000).Recently, researchers have shown the importance of EMR and defined it as follow: “The EMR and Electronic Patient Record (EPR), which are, in fact reasonably synonymous, are electronic, machine-readable versions of much of the data found in paper-based records, comprising both structured and unstructured patient data from disparate, computerized ancillary systems and document imaging systems. Clinical documentation may originate in either paper records or computerized data; however, the data are not comprehensively coded.” (Carter, 2001)International Standard Organization (ISO) was prepared principles on EMR concepts that include: on-time, completeness, correctness, security and availability. (International Standard Organization, 2003)Increasing variety and complexity of works that will be a part of our life in future hospitals are in attention now and it is cause of transferring to electronic information. Without electronic records several problems will occur. The managers need fast answers to reaction to events. Thus, preparing electronic patient record system is necessary, because patient information will be accessible any time and any
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