Ambulatory physicians’ electronic health record self-efficacy

Objective: To assess ambulatory providers’ confidence in learning about and using the electronic health record (EHR).

Materials and Methods: Providers were administered an EHR skills self-assessment survey.

Results: 71 providers participated. Only 35% of respondents felt that they had strong EHR skills, 92% felt confident that they could learn new skills, and 90% felt they could improve with practice. 45% of faculty physicians felt confident that they could use the EHR in a time-efficient manner and 52% felt could keep up with advances but 16% felt apprehensive about using the EHR. 94% of faculty would welcome opportunities to learn more.

Discussion: Most providers viewed using the EHR as a clinical skill they could master with training and practice.

Conclusion: Physicians may be engaged by EHR training programs that focus on the use of the EHR as a clinical skill. This work has informed new training programs at our institution.