Assessing the Influence of Electronic Health Records (EHR) Implementation on Medication Errors and Patient Safety in Hospital Settings: A Multi-dimensional Evaluation

Abstract

Background: The implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in healthcare settings is pivotal for enhancing patient safety and reducing medication errors. However, the diverse experiences of healthcare professionals with EHR systems suggest a complex interplay of factors influencing their effectiveness and acceptance.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of EHR implementation on medication errors and patient safety in hospitals and assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of EHR systems and their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes.

Methods: A structured survey was employed, involving three distinct groups: clinicians (n=12), physicians (n=12), and nurses (n=12). Participants responded to Likert-scale and open-ended questions assessing the daily use of EHRs and the challenges encountered. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to compare differences among groups, with p-values determining significance.

Results: Clinicians reported the highest positive perception of EHRs in daily use with a mean Likert score of 4.2, compared to physicians (4.0) and nurses (3.8). Challenges associated with EHRs were noted with mean scores of 2.5 for clinicians, 2.8 for physicians, and the highest, 3.1, for nurses. The p-values indicated significant differences among groups (p=0.034 for clinicians, p=0.045 for physicians, and p=0.050 for nurses).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that while EHRs are generally viewed positively for enhancing daily medical practice, significant challenges persist, particularly among nurses. Tailored strategies addressing the specific needs of different healthcare provider groups are necessary to optimize the effectiveness of EHR systems.