title: Paper-based versus computer-based records in the emergency department: staff preferences, expectations, and concerns.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield , UK. H.Ayatollahi@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Haleh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ayatollahi
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bath
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goodacre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004494:Education Department, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010209:Paper; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012938:Social Perception; D014584:User-Computer Interface