The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Nursing Technicians' Workflow in Saudi Arabian Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) have been widely adopted in Saudi Arabian hospitals to improve patient care and efficiency. However, their impact on nursing technicians' workflow remains understudied. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the effects of EHRs on nursing technicians' workflow in Saudi Arabian hospitals. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases for studies published between 2010 and 2024. The search terms included "electronic health records," "nursing technicians," "workflow," "Saudi Arabia," and related synonyms. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). A total of 14 studies (8 quantitative, 4 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods) met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that EHRs have both positive and negative impacts on nursing technicians' workflow in Saudi Arabian hospitals. The key benefits include improved documentation, communication, and access to patient information. The main challenges include increased workload, disrupted workflow, and technology-related issues. The review highlights the need for user-centered design, adequate training and support, and workflow optimization to maximize the benefits and minimize the unintended consequences of EHRs for nursing technicians in Saudi Arabia. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of EHRs on nursing technicians' workflow, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction in diverse hospital settings.