The Roles and Competencies of Nurse Managers in Enhancing Benefits and Lowering Barriers to the Implementation of Electronic Medical Records: A Mixed Methods Approach.

BACKGROUND: The role and competencies of a manager are crucial to the success of an electronic medical record (EMR) implementation. A manager must possess a clear vision, a strong sense of commitment, and the capacity to spearhead organizational and technological change. This study aims to assess the benefits and difficulties of implementing EMRs and explore the competencies and roles of managers in adapting to the implementation of EMR.

METHODS: A mixed method using cross-sectional analysis and a descriptive qualitative method using Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The quantitative study sample included 101 nurse managers, and the quantitative data analysis used the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum. The roles of the manager were explored in eleven participants with FGD. Analysis of themes and word patterns related to digital use, thematic role leader using the Mintzberg approach. Finally, the results of quantitative and qualitative research are combined to determine the role and competencies of managers.

RESULTS: The mean digital literacy competencies for the basic EMR implementation were 65 out of 100. It means that the digital competencies of the manager need to be improved. The results of the qualitative study show that EMR has many benefits and obstacles; in addition, the leader's role, including interpersonal, informational, and decisional roles, is needed for successful EMR implementation.

IMPLICATIONS: Recommendations are proposed to improve competencies and the role of management.