Physicians’ and registered nurses’ experiences of information systems support for interprofessional collaboration and information exchange – results from the years 2020–2025

Authors

• Tinja Lääveri Department of Computer Science, Aalto University; Inflammation Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4124-6667
• Johanna Viitanen Department of Computer Science, Aalto University
• Pia Liljamo Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
• Tuulikki Vehko Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
• Ulla-Mari Kinnunen Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland; Research Centre for Nursing Science and Social and Health, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.179051

Keywords:

information systems, nurses, physicians, intersectoral collaboration, information storage and retrieval, continuity of patient care

Abstract

Electronic health record (EHR) systems should enhance continuity and quality of care by facilitating collaboration and information exchange between physicians and registered nurses (RNs). Most recent national user experience surveys were conducted for physicians in 2025 and 2021, and for RNs in 2023 and 2020. This study analyzed responses to the statements: “How well do information systems support collaboration and information exchange between physicians and RNs?” and “How well do information systems support collaboration and information exchange among physicians/RNs within their own organization?” Results were examined for physicians (n=2,765 in 2025 and 4,259 in 2021) and RNs (n=2,598 in 2023 and 3,071 in 2020) using the seven largest EHR brands.

A key finding was that the information systems support for interdisciplinary collaboration and information exchange was on a relatively good level in the latest surveys, with no significant differences compared to the support for collaboration within own professional group. Differences could be seen across EHR brands: users of Esko reported the highest satisfaction, although the proportion of satisfied physicians had notably decreased in the most recent survey. Users of Apotti were the least satisfied, despite improvements in assessments observed among both professional groups in follow-up surveys.

Professionals’ opinions on the information systems support for collaboration and information exchange were markedly more positive, especially among physicians, compared to studies conducted during the early years of the surveys. This suggests that nurses and physicians have improved not only their standardized documentation practices but also the utilization of recorded data, using tools such as summary views. The review of patient information constitutes a fundamental basis for decision-making and high-quality care. Therefore, EHR development should focus on advancing not only regulatory requirements and documentation tools but also multidisciplinary information utilization. Recognizing the diverse needs of professional groups early in the information systems development process is essential. This approach can improve the quality of care and collaboration between different professional groups, ensuring comprehensive patient care.