Abstract
Background Electronic medical record (EMR) use by primary care physicians (PCP) in the United
States and Canada is suboptimal, especially for supporting chronic diseases like diabetes.
PCPs need postimplementation training to achieve value-adding EMR use. Video tutorials
demonstrate how to accomplish tasks using software. However, there is a dearth of
research on the use of video tutorials for EMR training.
Objective The purpose of the study was to design, develop, and evaluate video tutorials for
training PCPs in using EMR advanced features for diabetes care. This study addressed
three research questions related to PCP's views of video tutorials as an EMR training
method/approach, barriers, and facilitators to applying the EMR video tutorials to
PCPs' practice, and how the design of EMR video tutorials can be improved.
Methods The overall research study employed a QUAN (qual) mixed methods approach with an
embedded design. This article focuses on the qualitative phase of the mixed methods
study. A series of four theory-informed and evidence-based video tutorials for diabetes
care was developed with a physician champion. Qualitative data were collected at four
time points: 1 month before (O1), immediately before (O2), 3 months after (O3), and
6 months (O4) after the intervention. Semistructured interviews with participants
were held at O3 and O4. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results In total, 14 PCPs from the overall study participated in interviews (78%). The thematic
analysis of the qualitative data revealed seven themes, which fall into two main categories:
(1) design and development of EMR video tutorials, and (2) adoption and use of EMR
video tutorials.
Conclusion PCPs liked the EMR video tutorials for diabetes care, and would like more EMR video
tutorials on various topics and EMR use levels. The study offers a roadmap for health
informatics professionals everywhere to develop EMR training videos that meet evidence-based
design criteria. It also help to identify opportunities to improve the design, delivery,
and adoption of EMR video tutorials for future training interventions.
Keywords
electronic health records - computer user training - physicians - primary care - meaningful
use - video tutorials