Manual documentation has an inherent problem of improper communication, manipulation, and validity. An electronic medical record (EMR) is a computerized medical record created in an organization that delivers care, such as a hospital. EMRs tend to be a part of a local, stand-alone, health information system that allows for storage and retrieval.

The objective of this study was to assess the perception of emergency care providers toward the implementation of an EMR System in the emergency department of a Level-1 Trauma Center.

A qualitative survey was conducted among consenting doctors and nurses in the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences February to October 2010. Data were collected from a sample of 22—eight doctors and 14 nurses. The collection tool was a structured, closed-ended questionnaire of 12 questions based on usability, applicability, and security, of EMR. A Likert scale (LS) was used (1 = worst, 4 = best). Surveys were done on Day 20, Day 45, and after nine months of implementation of. Responses of emergency care providers were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Three surveys consisted of 22 participants in each survey. The survey domain of usability improved on Survey 3 (LS = 2.57), Survey 2 (LS = 2.46), Survey 1 (LS = 2.24). Application of EMR improved from Survey 1 to Survey 3. The data regarding perception of security concerns such as manipulation of data, transparency, and accountability were comparable among Survey 1, Survey 2, and Survey 3. Initial satisfaction was strongly associated with perception of usefulness of data mining for research purposes.

Satisfaction with an EMR system at its implementation generally persisted through the first year of use. Implementation plans must include positive reinforcement regarding EMR among emergency care providers.