Print

DuBois, Nicole

Nursing

2010

MS

The purpose of this study is to examine and describe the experiences of nurse managers who have participated in the implementation of an Electronic Health Record (EHR). There is about to be a sea change in health care. Many institutions will be implementing comprehensive EHRs. With research into implementation methods future transitions can be smoother and more successful, allowing for seamless, high quality patient care and satisfactory experiences for health care workers. This is a qualitative, descriptive study using a phenomenological approach which elicited the lived experiences of nurse managers. Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample ofnurse managers one to three months after the implementation of an EHR at an academic medical center. Transcripts were analyzed and responses were collated so that themes could be identified.
Themes from the research fell into two main categories: preparation and implementation. In the preparation phase, the themes were: training, build-up/excitement, and anxiety. In the implementation phase participants discussed support/staffing, mistakes/workarounds, emotional responses, different experiences for different groups of people, and profound change. The implementation of an ERR is an all-encompassing, emotional experience during which staff needs emotional and teclmical support. Training to use the system should be differentiated for those with and without knowledge of computers. Further research should be conducted on the clinician and patient experience as well as patient outcomes before, during, and after EHR implementation.