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Electronic Health Record Adoption and Its Effects on Healthcare Staff: A Qualitative Study of Well-Being and Workplace Stress

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Provenzano

    (Campus Catalunya, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43002 Tarragona, Spain)

  • Nicola Cillara

    (Department of Surgery, Ospedale Santissima Trinità, 09121 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Felice Curcio

    (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Sassari (UNISS), 07100 Sassari, Italy)

  • Maria Orsola Pisu

    (Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 50134 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Cesar Iván Avilés González

    (Department of Nursing, Universidad Popular del Cesar, Valledupar 200002, Colombia
    Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Maria Francisca Jiménez-Herrera

    (Nursing Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain)

Abstract

Adopting electronic health records (EHRs) offers improved communication and information sharing and reduces medical staff errors. Despite these potential benefits, EHR adoption often introduces new challenges for healthcare staff, including increased administrative burdens and workplace stress. This study examines the impact of EHR systems on the well-being and workplace stress of healthcare staff in a hospital setting. Using a qualitative multi-perspective research approach, 16 guideline-based interviews were conducted to explore experiences, insight, and perceptions surrounding the anticipated introduction of EHRs. Data analysis reveals a complex interplay between the perceived advantages of EHRs, such as improved data accessibility and patient safety, and the challenges related to increased workload. Based on interviewers’ perceptions, emerging themes were categorized as technostress creators or inhibitors. The findings highlight a dual impact of EHRs: while participants acknowledged improvements in patient safety and information access, they also expressed concerns about increased workload, technostress, and potential disruptions to team dynamics. This study identified two major themes: “EHR Adoption as a Double-Edged Sword” and “EHRs’ Influence on Professional Dynamics”. These findings underscore the need for organizational readiness and staff support to mitigate the negative impacts of EHRs on healthcare workers’ well-being and job satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Provenzano & Nicola Cillara & Felice Curcio & Maria Orsola Pisu & Cesar Iván Avilés González & Maria Francisca Jiménez-Herrera, 2024. "Electronic Health Record Adoption and Its Effects on Healthcare Staff: A Qualitative Study of Well-Being and Workplace Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:11:p:1430-:d:1508367
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baumann, Lisa Ann & Baker, Jannah & Elshaug, Adam G., 2018. "The impact of electronic health record systems on clinical documentation times: A systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(8), pages 827-836.
    2. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
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