Adoption of Electronic Health Records in Medical Clinics and Dental Clinics

Abstract

Objective: To study the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) of medical clinics and dental clinics and to investigate factors associated with EHRs adoption, as well as suggestions and approaches to promote EHRs adoption. Method: Data were collected from doctors and dentists practicing in 441 clinics located in public health region 10 during February–March 2017 by mailed questionnaires. Modified technology acceptance model was adopted as a framework in the study. The Questionnaire consisted of questions measuring 5 dimensions of opinions including experiences in using computer, costs saving from EHRs, perceived benefits from EHRs use, perceived ease of EHRs use and intention to use EHRs. Results: 361 questionnaires were returned. It was found that 71.47% of clinics didn’t use EHRs. Only 25.24% of EHRs adopters used EHRs to collect basic patient information such as gender, age and telephone number. The average scores of opinions on experiences in using computer, costs saving from EHRs, perceived benefits from EHRs use, ease of EHRs use, and intention to use EHRs were 3.95±0.75, 3.63±0.92, 3.84±0.75, 3.65±0.75 และ 3.80±1.08, respectively (out of full score of 5). Experience in using computer, perceived benefits of EHRs use, perceived ease of EHRs use and intention to use EHRs were significant predictors of EHRs adoption (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most medical and dental clinics didn’t use EHRs. Experience in using computer, perceived benefits of EHRs use, perceived ease of EHRs use and intention to use EHRs were significant predictors of EHRs adoption. Government should issue a policy on or legislate EHRs adoption to increase the adoption, as well as health information exchange among public and private healthcare organizations. This can lead to increase in efficiency and quality medical services in healthcare system.