Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of electronic medical record privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh hospitals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: To investigate healthcare professionals’ perceptions of electronic medical records (EMRs) privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hospitals. Methods: A total of 381 healthcare professionals were surveyed using a self-administered online questionnaire, which collected data on their familiarity with EMRs, perceptions of data protection, and experiences with privacy breaches. Results: The findings revealed that 79.3% of the respondents were familiar with EMRs. However, only 69.6% expressed confidence in safeguarding patient data from unauthorized access. Alarmingly, 25.5% admitted to accessing colleagues’ EMRs without permission, raising significant privacy concerns. Despite the presence of organizational privacy policies, 24.6% of the respondents were unaware or unsure of these policies. The study also highlighted the impact of privacy issues on healthcare staff, with 63.5% expressing concerns regarding the effects of EMR privacy on confidentiality and 39.4% reporting increased stress levels. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between privacy concerns and stress (p=0.010) but no associations with avoiding medical care or behavior changes. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for healthcare institutions to address privacy-related issues in EMRs and enhance data security measures and staff training to safeguard patient confidentiality and improve overall work quality.
Source: Saudi Medical Journal
Authors: Alaa A. Qashqari, Dunya S. Almutairi, Soukaina A. Ennaceur, Nesren S. Farhah, Mohammed A. Almohaithef
Language: English
Subfield: Health Information Management
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408522202