Electronic medical record implementation in nursing practice : a literature review of the factors of success

Abstract

This is a review of the current literature to discern what factors need to be present in an electronic medical record (EMR) implementation in order for it to be successful for nurses. An extensive literature search was performed by using databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Health Reference Center for primary sources of research that specifically addressed EMR implementation and nursing. A coding scheme was developed and applied to each article for analysis. It was found that fit of the EMR with nurse functions, education, and positive nurse attitude were the three most common factors associated with successful EMR implementation for nurses. Lack of computer system quality, lack of fit of the EMR with nurse functions, and time requirements of its use were most commonly associated with lack of success.