Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Apr 30, 2024
Date Accepted: Dec 7, 2024
25 Years of Electronic Health Record Implementation Process: Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Electronic Health Record systems (EHRs) have undergone significant evolution over the past 25 years, transitioning from rudimentary digital repositories to sophisticated tools that are integral to modern healthcare delivery. However, we need to know how language and discussion around EHRs has evolved in this time. This paper aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the evolution and adoption of EHRs over the past quarter-century.
Objective:
To examine the historical trajectory of EHRs, analyzing their evolution and adoption, and to highlight their profound impact on both users and the healthcare market. To articulate a future-focused research agenda that builds on this history of EHR research.
Methods:
This research employs a systematic review methodology. Drawing upon forty academic papers published between 1999 and 2024, a thorough analysis was conducted to discern patterns, themes, and trends relating to the development and adoption of EHRs over the last 25 years.
Results:
EHRs have facilitated a paradigm shift towards healthcare services, all the while addressing persistent challenges such as financial constraints and privacy concerns. The analysis revealed a compelling narrative of advancement and innovation in EHR technology over the past quarter-century. Three overarching themes emerged: Politics, Practice, and Procedures. These themes underscore the intricate socio-technical dynamics surrounding EHRs which allow us to view the actual changes that have taken place in the healthcare market.
Conclusions:
While EHRs hold immense promise in improving patient care, enhancing research capabilities, and optimizing healthcare efficiency, there is a pressing need for further research to clarify the post implementation, or maintenance, phase of EHR adoption . This comprehensive review provides invaluable insights into the dynamic evolution of EHR technology over time and its profound implications for the healthcare landscape, thereby laying the foundation for future research endeavors and policy initiatives.
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Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.