Analysis of the use of electronic medical records and its effect on improving patient care

Introduction: One of the most important contemporary events related to the health field is the implementation of the electronic health record (EHR), which allows the logical and chronological consolidation of information concerning a patient. Objective: To analyze the influence of the implementation of electronic medical records on the improvement of patient care. Method: The study corresponds to a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, and causal correlational scope. The population and sample were 94 health and administrative workers of a health center in Metropolitan Lima. The questionnaire had 30 items, with response options using a Likert-type scale. Results: The use of electronic medical records was found to be 78.7% high, and patient care was found to be 70.2% efficient. It was found that the use of EHRs significantly influences patient care, given that p-value is 0.047<0.05. The dimensions of patient care, reliability, responsiveness, safety, empathy, and tangible aspects also obtained a p-value<0.05. Conclusions: It was found that most workers positively perceive the use of electronic medical records and that the existence of this system has beneficial effects on patient care, considering that the staff perceives high levels of reliability, responsiveness, safety, empathy, and tangible aspects.