Barriers to the acceptance of electronic medical records by physicians from systematic review to taxonomy and interventions

SUMMARY

The implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) has resulted in low usage by physicians. Refer to EMR Implementation. A study was conducted to determine barriers of slow adoption rates and to identify suggestions to overcome barriers. This would allow implementers to have analysis available to improve the rollouts of EMRs.

Methodology

The study was performed using four different types of publications that were published between 1998 - 2009. A selection process was created to determine which articles would be used (which summed up to twenty-two at the end). A classification system was developed to assist in documenting barriers identified: Financial, Technical, Time, Psychological, Social, Legal, Organizational, and Change Process.

Result Highlights

The study revealed two different barriers: primary (first level physicians exposure to) and secondary (not directly impacted but maybe be integrated in primary barriers). Practice size influenced the type of barrier presented for the rollout of EMRs. It was noted that Organizational and Change Process classifications were imbedded with the other barriers.

Conclusion / Summary of Key Points

The study reviewed the reasons that physicians were slow to utilize EHRs. It concluded that implementations significantly impacted ways of working. The analysis from the study showed that Organizational and Change Management processes facilitate the rollout of EMR implementations.

Comments

After reviewing the article, the significance of the Change Process outlined seem to be one of the most critical factors in contributing the success of EMR implementation adaptability. Major project rollouts usually tend to place a high priority on development and tend to squeeze change management task towards the end of project implementations.