Capturing the patients’ voices: Planning for patient-centered electronic health record use

Onur Asan, Jeanne Tyszka, Kathlyn E. Fletcher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives To understand (1) the perceptions of patients regarding use of EHR during clinic visits, (2) the impact of the presence of EHR on patient interactions with physicians, and (3) the ways in which EHR usage might increase patient engagement. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews of a convenience sample of patients of internal medicine resident doctors from three primary care clinics. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used thematic analysis to identify themes from the transcripts. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Results We interviewed 32 patients; 37.5% male. Our analysis revealed three primary themes: (1) the views and beliefs of patients on the use of EHR in clinics, (2) patients’ perception of the communication skills of residents, and (3) patients’ perceptions about information sharing, patient engagement, and health education related to the EHR. An invitation to patients to view the screen as the physician interprets its content increases patient satisfaction and understanding. Residents’ possessed skills in communication is not impeded when using EHR. Conclusion Patients generally express a positive or neutral perception of EHR use during clinic visits. Using information voiced by patients, we can teach health providers EHR strategies that are likely to engage patients in the visit and engender their trust.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics
Volume95
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Doctor-patient relationships
  • Electronic health records
  • Health communication
  • Patient education
  • Patient engagement

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