Provider perceptions of electronic medical records and e-prescribing and their integration into safety net clinics

This paper reports the findings of a formative study that examined knowledge, readiness, and perceptions of healthcare providers in safety-net clinics about electronic medical records (EMR) and e-prescribing. It was conducted in six safety net clinics in southeast Georgia that serve a disproportionately high number of uninsured and underinsured individuals. Qualitative data was collected during focus groups and intercept interviews. Healthcare providers understood what EMR technology is and had positive perceptions about the technology's utility in the clinic environment. Several key themes emerged such as the importance of increased efficiency and transportability; privacy, security, and access concerns; quality improvement potential; startup costs; and production loss. Implications for administrators who plan to implement EMR within safety net clinics are discussed.