How Electronic Health Records influence the Quality of Work of healthcare employees: A narrative systematic review

Abstract

The healthcare sector in the Western world has seen an increasing demand for healthcare employees as well as an increase in burnout, stress, and turnover rates. These developments coincide with the rapid adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). One of the intended benefits of EHRs is to improve the working conditions of healthcare employees, yet studies suggest that they also increase job strain. An overview of studies on this topic does not exist, and that is why the purpose of this study is to provide a synthesis and overview of empirical research that report the influence of EHRs on the Quality of Working Life (QWL) of healthcare employees. To explain and predict job strain, the job Demand-Control-Support-Model (DCSM) is used, which in turn explains the Quality of Working Life. Overall, we show that the use of EHRs most likely leads to an increase in job demands, a decrease in job control, and an increase in social support. When applied to the DCSM, it appears that the most likely scenario is the “High Strain” Collective. Practical implications to remedy the decrease in QWL are consistent EHR training and creating awareness of the benefits of EHRs.