In the last decade increase number of evidence indicate that stakeholders’ training and education are key to successful adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Also, it has been shown that the availability of technical and training support during the initial implementation is essential.
Objective: We investigate the perceived knowledge on EHRs and the motivation for adoption of EHRs in physiotherapy practice.
Methods: A cross-sectional study, using a developed questionnaire with 27 questions, was conducted. Among studied variables were: perceived knowledge on technologies for electronic health records, number of training sessions for adoption of EHRs, motivation related with adoption of EHRs.
Results: A random sample of 180 physiotherapists [mean(SD) age: 34,7(±10,3); 70,0% female; mean and range of years of practice: 11,5 (1-40)] from Portugal was surveyed. Perceived knowledge on technologies for EHRs were low and very low for the majority of physiotherapists (72,2%). Also, most physiotherapists (75,0%) reported not having any training related to technologies for EHRs for physiotherapy. The lack of training related with technologies for EHRs was perceived by majority of physiotherapists (82,2%) as an important barrier for adoption of EHRs for physiotherapy. 75,0% physiotherapists (74,1% with age≤40years) reported high motivation to learn on technologies related with EHRs for physiotherapy.
Conclusions: The findings indicate, that overall, the physiotherapists’ needs related with training on technologies for EHRs for physiotherapy, are generally not met. Physiotherapists with expertise in informatics may help design EHRs systems that meet the needs of physiotherapy, and rigorously evaluate the extent to which these technologies improve care.