Author/Authors :
Gagnon، Marie-Pierre نويسنده Faculty of Nursing Science, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada , , Payne-Gagnon، Julie نويسنده Research Centre of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada , , Breton، Erik نويسنده Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada , , Fortin، Jean-Paul نويسنده Centre de recherche sur les soins et les services de première ligne, Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada , , Khoury، Lara نويسنده Faculty of Law, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada , , Dolovich، Lisa نويسنده Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada , , PRICE، David A. نويسنده , , Wiljer، David نويسنده Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada , , Bartlett، Gillian نويسنده , , Archer، Norman نويسنده DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada ,
Abstract :
Background: Healthcare stakeholders have a great interest in the adoption and use of electronic personal
health records (ePHRs) because of the potential benefits associated with them. Little is known, however,
about the level of adoption of ePHRs in Canada and there is limited evidence concerning their benefits
and implications for the healthcare system. This study aimed to describe the current situation of ePHRs in
Canada and explore stakeholder perceptions regarding barriers and facilitators to their adoption.
Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted semi-structured phone interviews
between October 2013 and February 2014 with 35 individuals from seven Canadian provinces. The
participants represented six stakeholder groups (patients, ePHR administrators, healthcare professionals,
organizations interested in health technology development, government agencies, and researchers). A
detailed summary of each interview was created and thematic analysis was conducted.
Results: We observed that there was no consensual definition of ePHR in Canada. Factors that could influence
ePHR adoption were related to knowledge (confusion with other electronic medical records [EMRs] and
lack of awareness), system design (usability and relevance), user capacities and attitudes (patient health
literacy, education and interest, support for professionals), environmental factors (government commitment,
targeted populations) and legal and ethical issues (information control and custody, confidentiality, privacy
and security).
Conclusion: ePHRs are slowly entering the Canadian healthcare landscape but provinces do not seem wellprepared for the implementation of this type of record. Guidance is needed on critical issues regarding ePHRs,
such as ePHR definition, data ownership, access to information and interoperability with other electronic
health records (EHRs). Better guidance on these issues would provide a greater awareness of ePHRs and
inform stakeholders including clinicians, decision-makers, patients and the public. In turn, it may facilitate
their adoption in the country.
