Dental care providers' and patients' perceptions of the effect of health information technology in the dental care setting. J Am Dent Assoc 2013 Sep;144(9):1022-9
Date
08/31/2013Pubmed ID
23989841DOI
10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0229Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84884846218 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 6 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: The use of electronic health records (EHRs) in dental care and their effect on dental care provider-patient interaction have not been studied sufficiently. The authors conducted a study to explore dental care providers' interactions with EHRs during patient visits, how these interactions influence dental care provider-patient communication, and the providers' and patients' perception of EHR use in the dental clinic setting during patient visits.
METHODS: The authors collected survey and interview data from patients and providers at three dental clinics in a health care system. The authors used qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data obtained from patients and dental care providers.
RESULTS: The provider survey results showed significant differences in perceptions of EHR use in patient visits across dental care provider groups (dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants). Patient survey results indicated that some patients experienced a certain level of frustration and distraction because of providers' use of EHRs during the visit.
CONCLUSIONS: The provider survey results indicated that there are different perceptions across provider groups about EHRs and the effect of computer use on communication with patients. Dental assistants generally reported more negative effects on communication with patients owing to computer use. Interview results also indicated that dental care providers may not feel comfortable interacting with the EHR without having any verbal or eye contact with patients during the patient's dental visit.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: A new design for dental operatories and locations of computer screens within the operatories should be undertaken to prevent negative nonverbal communication such as loss of eye contact or forcing the provider and patient to sit back to back, as well as to enhance patient education and information sharing.
Author List
Asan O, Ye Z, Acharya AMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Aged
Attention
Attitude of Health Personnel
Attitude to Computers
Communication
Dental Assistants
Dental Auxiliaries
Dental Care
Dental Clinics
Dental Hygienists
Dental Informatics
Dentist-Patient Relations
Dentists
Electronic Health Records
Frustration
Humans
Middle Aged
Patient Education as Topic
Patient Satisfaction
Professional-Patient Relations
Young Adult
