User satisfaction, advantages, and disadvantages of health information systems in the Osijek-Baranja County: survey of users in the public health care system

Abstract

The aim of this survey was to collect preliminary data on user satisfaction as well as the advantages and disadvantages of health information systems in use in the public health care system in the Osijek-Baranja County and to see what the respondents' opinions and satisfaction are in relation to the theoretical statements of the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of using information systems in health care. Users of information systems were surveyed at three levels of employment: medical doctors, nurses/technicians and administration. Participants mostly agreed that information systems ensure faster access to patient data, compared to historical periods before introduction of such systems. However, participants least agreed with the thesis that the number of medical errors has decreased and efficiency and productivity have increased. Nurses and technicians agree significantly less than other providers with the proposed theses about the advantages brought by the information systems in health care. Regarding the shortcomings of the information systems, middle-aged respondents emphasised high costs and risk of cyberattacks. Respondents expressed overall very good satisfaction with the use of the health information systems, however they rated the contribution of the health information system to the improvement of patient care the poorest. Nurses and technicians were significantly less satisfied with health information systems than other provider profiles. The results indicate that, in addition to continuous education, there may be a need for a process approach to work organisation which would reduce the workload of health workers with administrative tasks, especially nurses/technicians.