Use of electronic health records among Saudi and Non - Saudi health providers - a comparative study at a secondary hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is now considered the backbone of effective storage and retrieval of patient records in a healthcare setup. This study is an attempt to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare professionals in the use of Electronic Health Record system in patient care. It was a comparative cross-sectional study, conducted among the clinicians working in King Khaled Hospital, Almajmaah, Saudi Arabia. The data was collected from 260 clinicians using systematic random sampling technique. A pre-validated questionnaire was used to gather the data. Nineteen items were graded based on the adaptability, usability and knowledge of the participants. The total duration of the study from conception to completion was 6 months. There were 146 (56.2%) Saudis and 114 (43.8%) non - Saudi participants. Knowledge of computer was slightly more among Saudis 134 (51.5%) than non - Saudis 104 (40.0%) (p>0.05). Saudis had an overall positive attitude toward using the EHR as compared to non-Saudis (p<0.001).Frequency of accessing computers daily was more among Non-Saudi practitioners 93 (35.8%) as compared to the Saudis 85 (32.7%) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). This study has attempted to correlate that clinician's adaptability with an electronic record system that requires prior expertise in the use of computers. It recommends further foray into researching barriers associated with slow uptake and positive attitudinal change among clinicians using the electronic health records system in healthcare facilities across Saudi Arabia.