Association of Nurses’ Autonomy and Perception Toward Electronic Health Records with Decision-making

Abstract

Background: Nurses with valid and reliable clinical data documentation can make autonomous decisions about the management or treatment options of their patients. Objectives: To examine the association of nurses’ autonomy and perception toward electronic health records with decision-making Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample size of 120 nurses with six months of clinical experience working in a medical /surgical unit in two hospitals in the capital of Jordan.  Results: The results of the t-test indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the nurses’ levels of autonomy based on their decision-making modes (intuitive vs. analytical). nurses' perceived patient care autonomy score correlated significantly and positively with their decision-making modes. Similarly, nurses' perceived unit operation autonomy score correlated significantly and positively with the nurses' decision-making modes. Conclusions: The study found significant differences in the nurses’ levels of autonomy based on their decision-making modes. Also, there was a significant association between nurses’ autonomy levels and their decision-making modes. Future research is recommended to improve nurses’ levels of autonomy to empower and inform their clinical decisions, thus improving patients' clinical outcomes.  Implications for Nursing: Future interventional research should be directed to improve the decision-making skills of Jordanian nurses by enhancing their autonomy and control over practice. Also, future qualitative research is recommended to examine perceived nurses' role ambiguity and conflict in Jordan.

Keywords

• autonomy
• perception toward ehrs
• and decision-making