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Paper-based versus computer-based records in the emergency department: Staff preferences, expectations, and concerns

Health Informatics Research Group, Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK, H.Ayatollahi{at}sheffield.ac.uk., Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Peter A. Bath

Centre for Health Information Management Research (CHIMR) and Health Informatics Research Group, Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK, p.a.bath{at}sheffield.ac.uk

Steve Goodacre

Emergency Department, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, UK, s.goodacre{at}sheffield.ac.uk

Although the potential benefits of computer-based records have been identified in different areas of the healthcare environment, in many settings paper-based records and computer-based records are still used in parallel. In this article, emergency department (ED) staff perspectives about the use of paper- or computer-based records are presented. This was a qualitative study in which data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews with the ED staff. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed using framework analysis. In total, 34 interviews were undertaken. The study identified a number of factors which might encourage or discourage the use of paper-based and computer-based records in the ED. Users also expressed their concerns and expectations. Although there is a tendency towards computerizing healthcare settings, user acceptance of technology should not be underestimated. To improve user acceptance, users’ concerns should be investigated and addressed appropriately.

Key Words: computer-based records • emergency department • paper-based records • user acceptance

Health Informatics Journal, Vol. 15, No. 3, 199-211 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1460458209337433


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