Authors (including presenting author) :
Hui MWR(1)(2), Hung CT(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Information Technology and Health Informatics Division, Hospital Authority Head Office, (2)The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
The Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS) has commenced operation since 13 March 2016, and proposal for the second stage of its implementation has been under formulation. As of November 2017, 1,405 HCPs have joined eHRSS, with about 1,200 of them being private solo practice clinics, which was equivalent to about one-third of all private clinics in Hong Kong. At the same time, over 605,000 HCRs have joined eHRSS. Among which, 80% of them were 50 years old or above.
Objectives :
This study aimed to evaluate the current level of acceptance of eHRSS among doctors (particularly those from the private sector) as well as patients. In particular, the study aimed to investigate: 1. factors that might influence the current non-users of eHRSS to consider joining; 2. changes in doctor’s perspective to eHRSS before and after its implementation; 3. difference between doctors and patients in their evaluation of eHRSS; and 4. whether there were any “push / pull effect” between doctors and patients on their decision of joining eHRSS.
Methodology :
Surveys with private doctors and patients were conducted via self-administered questionnaires. Responses from 54 private doctors currently practicing in Hong Kong (response rate = 9%) and 121 patients who were Hong Kong residents (response rate = 51%) were collected. This was followed by individual interviews with 4 doctors to solicit more in-depth user experience and opinions.
Result & Outcome :
Among the surveyed doctors, they were relatively less satisfied with eHRSS’ performance on enhancing consultation efficiency and ease of registration process, and non-users were also concerned about the potential legal liabilities from data viewing and upload; while patients were less satisfied with eHRSS’ performance on enhancing medical safety and patients’ control on data access by doctors. This study explored the difference between current users and non-users of eHRSS on how they perceived the performance of eHRSS, and improvement areas that mattered, and factors that might influence non-user patients and doctors to join eHRSS. Discrepancy of expectation between doctors and patients and potential “pull” effect from patient to doctors were also found. This might help open up areas of interest for more comprehensive studies.
Co-location with:
