Abstract
Background: This paper describes the development of a survey instrument to measure use of, quality of and user satisfaction with electronic medical records (EMR) generated from the viewpoints of physicians. The reliability and validity of each construct of the instrument were examined by the analysis of responses of 460 physicians from 42 hospitals in Japan. The objectives of the study were to define the psychometric properties of the instrument as a basis for future demonstration studies and provide an instrument that can be used to monitor EMR from the viewpoint of physicians. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the degree to which each item within a construct is associated. The reliability of each resultant factor was computed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Validity was examined through the factor analysis and by correlational analyses. Results: EMR extent of “use” resulted into three factors with good factor loadings and high reliability. EMR “quality” had two factors with good factor loadings and reliability. EMR “user satisfaction” construct had three factors but only one had acceptable reliability. “Use” and “quality” constructs were positively correlated with “user satisfaction”. Conclusion: The results of initial validity studies of this instrument were positive, but further validation of the scales is necessary.
