title: Implementation of an electronic medical record in family practice: a case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to foster a safer, more effective and more efficient healthcare system. However, their implementation in primary care practice remains a challenge.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims at exploring factors that have influenced the successful implementation of an EMR system in a family medicine group (FMG) in the Province of Québec, Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case study approach was selected to get a deep understanding of the phenomenon in its context. The case was chosen on the basis that it was the first FMG in Québec to implement a full EMR used by all clinicians. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Factors that have influenced the success of the EMR implementation were classified under three broad themes: a project leader who combined the roles of clinical, technology and knowledge champion; an organisation that was open to and supportive of change; and an evidence-based implementation strategy tailored to the local context and adoption pace.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study underscores the importance of a champion for successful EMR implementation. It proposes a set of roles and characteristics that could be found in a champion as well as other elements for a successful EMR implementation strategy.
authors.affiliation: Québec University Hospital Research Centre, Québec City, Canada and Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Québec City, Canada. marie-pierre.gagnon@fsi.ulaval.ca
authors.forename: Marie-Pierre
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Gagnon
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Desmartis
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Labrecque
authors.forename: France
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Légaré
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lamothe
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fortin
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Rancourt
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duplantie
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011792:Quebec; D016526:Workload