Implementing electronic health records: implications for HR professionals

Purpose – This case study aims to report findings on the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) by a multi‐specialty physician group in the greater south central Pennsylvania area and offers implications for HR professionals. Design/methodology/approach – Sixteen employees from the physician group participated in a one‐on‐one interview. Interview questions were intended to identify actions that define successful EHR implementation, readiness to take the actions towards successful EHR implementation, pros and cons of EHR implementation, and strategies used for change. Findings – The findings describe the behaviors, readiness, pros and cons, and strategies involved for HR professionals looking to implement EHR. Research limitations/implications – The population of this study was limited to a physician group that is implementing or planning to implement EHR. This population is not representative of all medical offices implementing EHR, nor is it representative of other types of organizations. Practical implications – Findings suggest that HR professionals should tailor change initiatives involving EHR implementation to employees' readiness in an organization. Originality/value – Human resource professionals could utilize this case study due to its ability to describe an organization's readiness for EHR implementation and its ability to focus on activities and events that create successful modification of behavior based on readiness to change.