Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Users toward Electronic Medical Records and Data Confidentiality

Abstract

Background: Electronic Medical records (EMRs) can improve the quality and safety of care. However, the adoption and use of the EMR is influenced by several factors, including users’ perception. Jeddah city made a major bound forward, which supports with the vision of leadership, in the region’s electronic health services by adopting a unified electronic medical record system across the country. EMRs provide a better, more efficient standard of care and a vital database that will update the administrative process and promote better outcomes with less utilization of resources. MRs Form an essential part in patient management and include a diversity of patient data information that might be sensitive. Therefore, the primary challenge is to maintain data confidentiality of the EMRs. The study aims: To investigate the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare users (HCUs) toward EMRs and data confidentiality in electronic healthcare facilities in Jeddah, KSA. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on explored the perceptions towards EMRs and data confidentiality using an online survey as a data collection tool. Data collection was carried out over four weeks started from January 2022. The dependent variables were the user and provider perceptions, while the independent variables included gender, and age. A random sample of 201 electronic Healthcare facilities professionals and users was included. Results: The findings of the study revealed that most HCPs and users agreed on the presence of good electronic Health data protection practices and confidentiality principles. There was a statistical correlation between the surveyed confidentiality practice perceptions and gender. However, age had no statistically significant association. Conclusions: These research findings can influence policymakers and stakeholders when developing EMRs and data confidentiality policies and guidelines across the healthcare facilities, in particular, during the implementation of unified EMRs. Future research could investigate the effect of the specific demographic variables on the perception of confidentiality among electronic healthcare facility users that might influence EMRs and data confidentiality.