Conclusion

The EPR holds great potential to mitigate many of the challenges facing Canada’s health care system.  The main motivators for implementing electronic record system are to improve the quality and safety of patient care and to control escalating health care costs.   Each organization will face a unique set of challenges during the transition from a paper-based record system and success is never guaranteed.  Although there is no recipe or tried and true method for success, an element common to all health organizations is the role key stakeholders such as health care professionals and consumers play in the process.  The successful adoption of the EPR into any organization is largely influenced by their attitudes and acceptance.  Adopting strategies to increase familiarization and acceptance of the EPR among health professionals and consumers is a key part of the implementation process.  Leaders who are responsible for the implementation of an EPR should therefore:
n      understand and communicate the potential benefits to each stakeholder;
n      understand and lead the change management process;
n      understand key enablers of acceptance; 
n      understand and learn how to overcome potential barriers to adopting the EPR;
n      implement key strategies- the fundamental components for each strategy are effective
      support, education and communication; and
n      utilize and refer to effective stakeholder resources and promotional tools which serve to
      enhance knowledge, skills and buy-in.