Adam Jose Hodgkins1, Judy Mullan2, Darren John Mayne3, Costa Steven Boyages4, Andrew Bonney5. 1. BMed, DipPaed, FRACGP, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW. 2. BPharm, BA, FSHPA, PhD, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW; Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population, University of Wollongong, NSW. 3. BA (Hons), MPH (Hons), Public Health Epidemiologist, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Public Health, Wollongong NSW; Honorary Fellow, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW; Affiliated Researcher, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW; Doctoral Candidate, University of@Sydney, Sydney School of Public Health, NSW. 4. MBBS, BArts, LLB, GDLP, FRACGP, D.CH, GAICD, Academic Tutor, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW. 5. MBBS (Hons), MFM (Clin), PhD, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, Professor of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practice electronic health records (EHRs) are a rich source of primary care data that can be used for important research. The aim of this qualitative study was to analyse the attitudes of Australian general practitioners (GPs) to the use of data extracted from primary care EHRs for clinical research. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Australian GPs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged. The data custodian role encompassed GPs' determination to maintain privacy, their trust of organisations involved and benefits of research outcomes. The theme of protecting practice resources included concerns about unrecompensed staff time and potential risks to data and systems. DISCUSSION: This study highlights that while Australian GPs have concerns about the use of data stored on their EHRs, they also recognise the benefits of using this data for research purposes. Addressing these concerns could help to ensure that researchers have access to this valuable and rich data resource.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practice electronic health records (EHRs) are a rich source of primary care data that can be used for important research. The aim of this qualitative study was to analyse the attitudes of Australian general practitioners (GPs) to the use of data extracted from primary care EHRs for clinical research. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 Australian GPs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged. The data custodian role encompassed GPs' determination to maintain privacy, their trust of organisations involved and benefits of research outcomes. The theme of protecting practice resources included concerns about unrecompensed staff time and potential risks to data and systems. DISCUSSION: This study highlights that while Australian GPs have concerns about the use of data stored on their EHRs, they also recognise the benefits of using this data for research purposes. Addressing these concerns could help to ensure that researchers have access to this valuable and rich data resource.
Authors: Julie Gordon; Helena Britt; Graeme C Miller; Joan Henderson; Anthony Scott; Christopher Harrison Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-09 Impact factor: 3.390