Open access

Digital Burden or Digital Benefit?

Mohammed Alsahli A. Bakhshwain A. Almuhanna Eman M. Alanazi Nada Almalki Njoud Altuwaijri Abdullah Aldaeej Tourkiah Alessa Danah Alshamlan N. Al Saleh Ziad AlZaid N. A. al-Enizi Rasha Alturki Rabab Emshamea Zainab Alawami Ohood Alghamdi Ghadah Almutairy F. Alanezi

Sep 2026 · International Journal of Reliable and Quality E-Healthcare · 0 citations · 28 references

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) improve information access and care coordination but may also increase cognitive and documentation demands. This qualitative study explored Saudi Arabian healthcare staff experiences with EHR use during high-workload conditions in emergency, intensive care, and acute wards. Interviews were conducted with 23 participants (eight physicians, eight nurses, four physiotherapists, and three dieticians). Using reflexive thematic analysis informed by cognitive load theory, data were analyzed, and seven themes emerged: shared memory and extra work, hidden work and broken flow, templates and self-protection, alerts and interruptions, visibility and invisibility, system strain, and coping and adaptation. While supporting continuity and decision making, EHRs caused documentation burden, fragmented attention, alert fatigue, and hidden cognitive work. Allied health participants reported difficulties locating contributions. Role-sensitive design, reliable infrastructure, and workflow optimization are proposed as potential reducers of cognitive load that preserve EHR benefits.

DOI Semantic Scholar

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