Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of electronic medical record privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh hospitals

Authors

• Alaa A. Qashqari, From the Department of Physical Therapy (Qashqari), Security Forces Hospital, from the Non Invasive Cardiology Laboratory (Almutairi), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, from the Department of Health Informatics (Farhah); from the Department of Public Health (Almohaithef), Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, and from the Department of Public Health (Ennaceur), Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Dunya S. Almutairi, From the Department of Physical Therapy (Qashqari), Security Forces Hospital, from the Non Invasive Cardiology Laboratory (Almutairi), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, from the Department of Health Informatics (Farhah); from the Department of Public Health (Almohaithef), Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, and from the Department of Public Health (Ennaceur), Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Soukaina A. Ennaceur, From the Department of Physical Therapy (Qashqari), Security Forces Hospital, from the Non Invasive Cardiology Laboratory (Almutairi), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, from the Department of Health Informatics (Farhah); from the Department of Public Health (Almohaithef), Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, and from the Department of Public Health (Ennaceur), Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Nesren S. Farhah, From the Department of Physical Therapy (Qashqari), Security Forces Hospital, from the Non Invasive Cardiology Laboratory (Almutairi), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, from the Department of Health Informatics (Farhah); from the Department of Public Health (Almohaithef), Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, and from the Department of Public Health (Ennaceur), Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Mohammed A. Almohaithef, From the Department of Physical Therapy (Qashqari), Security Forces Hospital, from the Non Invasive Cardiology Laboratory (Almutairi), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, from the Department of Health Informatics (Farhah); from the Department of Public Health (Almohaithef), Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, and from the Department of Public Health (Ennaceur), Saudi Electronic University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

299

Last Page

306

Recommended Citation

Qashqari, Alaa A.; Almutairi, Dunya S.; Ennaceur, Soukaina A.; Farhah, Nesren S.; and Almohaithef, Mohammed A. (2025) "Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of electronic medical record privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh hospitals," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 46: Iss. 3, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240928