Physician Perceptions about Impact of Electronic Medical Records on Patient Experience at PHCs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: The adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), it is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, promising enhanced efficiency and quality of care. However, concerns persist regarding their impact on the delicate patient-physician relationship and overall patient experience. This study investigates the perceptions of primary health care physicians regarding the influence of the   EMR system on patient satisfaction and various aspects of clinical practice. Methods: A mixed method that included both physicians interviews and cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary health care physicians in a family medicine setting. The questionnaire utilized a 5-point Likert scale to assess physician perceptions across four key themes: Physician Efficiency & Practice, Doctor-Patient Interaction & Communication, Patient Experience & Satisfaction, and Physician Satisfaction & Overall Impact. Descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations, were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 31 physicians participated in the study, with the majority being Residents (64.5%) and reporting 1-5 years of experience (58.1%). Physicians reported the highest positive perception in the theme of Physician Efficiency & Practice (Mean=3.85, SD=0.89). The highest-rated individual item was the perception that the EMR improves communication skills with patients (Mean=4.17, 83.3% agreement). Conversely, the lowest thematic score was for Physician Satisfaction & Overall Impact (Mean=3.40, SD=0.97), with the lowest-rated item being the perception that EMR positively affects physician job satisfaction (Mean=3.27). A notable finding was the high agreement that EMR reduces face-to-face time with patients (Mean=4.07, 76.7% agreement), presenting a significant tension in the doctor-patient interaction. Open-ended responses highlighted a strong desire for Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration to enhance system functionality. Conclusion: PHC’s physicians perceived reduction in face-to-face time and the lower scores for physician job satisfaction suggest that system optimization must prioritize seamless integration that supports, rather than detracts from, human connection and professional well-being. Future EMR development should focus on AI-driven features to reduce documentation burden and enhance the quality of interaction.