Surveying perceptions of the early impacts of an integrated electronic medical record across a hospital and healthcare service

Objective: This study provides insights into the reported early impacts of the digital transformation of a large Australian hospital and healthcare service (HHS) by surveying staff perceptions of an integrated electronic medical record (ieMR). Methods: The information systems success model was used as a tool to evaluate perceptions of system quality, information quality, individual benefits and expected organisational benefits of the ieMR soon after its introduction at the HHS. A questionnaire was distributed to staff in all five hospitals in the HHS immediately after implementation. Overall staff perceptions were examined, in addition to how perceptions differed by site and profession. Results: Overall, staff held mildly positive early perceptions of system quality, information quality, individual benefits and expected organisational benefits. These views were largely consistent across sites. In terms of professions, allied health held more positive perceptions, followed by administrative and nursing professionals. Medical professionals held negative perceptions, but were neutral regarding their future expectations. Conclusion: On average, staff viewed the ieMR mildly positively immediately after implementation (despite significant changes to work practices), but differences exist across professional groups. What is known about the topic?: Hospitals globally are in the midst of a digital transformation. Yet, reported impacts are mixed and there have been few studies of the effects of comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR) implementations. What does this paper add?: This paper evaluates a comprehensive EMR immediately after go-live. We found positive early perceptions of system quality, information quality, individual benefits and expected organisational benefits. We also found that perceptions of medical professionals were largely negative, but they were neutral in terms of their future expectations. What are the implications for practitioners?: Health services may be unsure of the effect of implementing a comprehensive EMR because of conflicting reports in the literature, some touting major benefits, others stressing major costs. Our results paint a middle-ground picture immediately after implementation. Staff perceptions are mildly positive on average, which is reassuring given the results were obtained during the early disruptive period after implementation.