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Appl Clin Inform 2020; 11(03): 415-426
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712466
Research Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Factors Influencing Problem List Use in Electronic Health Records—Application of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology

Eva S. Klappe
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Nicolette F. de Keizer
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Ronald Cornet
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations Funding This study was funded by Academisch Medisch Centrum 2019-AMC-JK-7.
Further Information

Publication History

20 February 2020

22 April 2020

Publication Date:
10 June 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Background Problem-oriented electronic health record (EHR) systems can help physicians to track a patient's status and progress, and organize clinical documentation, which could help improving quality of clinical data and enable data reuse. The problem list is central in a problem-oriented medical record. However, current problem lists remain incomplete because of the lack of end-user training and inaccurate content of underlying terminologies. This leads to modifications of diagnosis code descriptions and use of free-text notes, limiting reuse of data.

Objectives We aimed to investigate factors that influence acceptance and actual use of the problem list, and used these to propose recommendations, to increase the value of problem lists for (re)use.

Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with physicians, heads of medical departments, and data quality experts, who were invited through snowball sampling. The interviews were transcribed and coded. Comments were fitted in constructs of the validated framework unified theory of acceptance user technology (UTAUT), and were discussed in terms of facilitators and barriers.

Results In total, 24 interviews were conducted. We found large variability in attitudes toward problem list use. Barriers included uncertainty about the responsibility for maintaining the problem list and little perceived benefits. Facilitators included the (re)design of policies, improved (peer-to-peer) training to increase motivation, and positive peer feedback and monitoring. Motivation is best increased through sharing benefits relevant in the care process, such as providing overview, timely generation of discharge or referral letters, and reuse of data. Furthermore, content of the underlying terminology should be improved and the problem list should be better presented in the EHR system.

Conclusion To let physicians accept and use the problem list, policies and guidelines should be redesigned, and prioritized by supervising staff. Additionally, peer-to-peer training on the benefits of using the problem list is needed.

Keywords

problem-oriented medical records - facilitators and barriers - electronic health records and systems - secondary use - adoption - qualitative

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The study was performed in compliance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki on Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects, and was reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethical Testing Committee (METC) of Amsterdam UMC.


 

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