Attitudes towards using electronic health records of patients with psoriasis and dermatologists: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Electronic health records (EHRs) offer various advantages for healthcare delivery, especially for chronic and complex diseases such as psoriasis. However, both patients' and physicians' acceptability is required for EHRs to unfold their full potential. Therefore, this study compares patients' and physicians' attitudes towards using EHRs in routine psoriasis care.

METHODS: For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was developed based on literature research and analyses of previously conducted focus groups. Participants completed either a paper-based or an electronic version of the questionnaire. Patient recruitment took place at an dermatological outpatient clinic and via several online pathways (patient associations, and social media). Physicians were recruited via a mailing list of a dermatological association and at a dermatological conference. Patients' and physicians' responses were compared using χ2 tests and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS: The study consisted of 187 patients and 44 dermatologists. Patients compared to physicians rated almost all potential EHR uses as significantly more important and expected significantly more potential benefits from EHRs.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients showed positive expectations towards using EHRs, whereas there was more scepticism in the physician sample. This aligns with previous findings. These differences illustrate the necessity to involve all stakeholders, especially patients and physicians, into the process of developing and implementing EHRs.