Factors affecting electronic health record adoption in long-term care facilities

J Healthc Qual. 2008 Mar-Apr;30(2):37-47. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2008.tb01133.x.

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) hold the potential to significantly improve the quality of care in long-term care (LTC) facilities, yet limited research has been done on how facilities decide to adopt these records. This study was conducted to identify factors that hinder and facilitate EHR adoption in LTC facilities. Study participants were LTC nurses, administrators, and corporate executives. Primary barriers identified were costs, the need for training, and the culture change required to embrace technology. Primary facilitators were training programs, well-defined implementation plans, government assistance with implementation costs, evidence that EHRs will improve care outcomes, and support from state regulatory agencies. These results offer a framework of action for policy makers, LTC Leaders, and researchers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administrative Personnel / education
  • Administrative Personnel / psychology*
  • Administrative Personnel / statistics & numerical data
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Educational Status
  • Efficiency, Organizational
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Facility Administration*
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training / economics
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration*
  • Male
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized / economics
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized / statistics & numerical data*
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Texas