Perceptions, Expectations and Support for a Community-Wide eHR System Among Hong Kong Residents

Objective: This study aims to identify and evaluate the Hong Kong public's views, expectations, concerns and awareness of a proposed electronic health record (eHR) as well as to inform policy formulation regarding its community-wide implementation. The following questions are addressed: To what extent is the public aware, supportive and willing to accept eHR? What are the public's attitudes and access concerns towards eHR? What cost per year will the public be willing to bear for eHR? How are Hong Kong residents' perceptions and expectations similar or different from those in other health systems such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada? Methods: We randomly interviewed 888 pedestrians on selected street locations and neighbourhoods to ensure a meaningful representation of the community.Key outcome measures: Our study sought to measure the public's awareness of eHR; the perceived eHR impact on healthcare services; the likely impact of eHR on the individual; the facilitating conditions for eHR acceptance; and the level of public acceptance of eHR, including suggestions of an annual personal financial contribution to the community-wide eHR system. Results: Our findings showed that most Hong Kong residents support the new initiative and are willing to pay around HK$195 per year as their share for a community-wide eHR. Our results are generally similar to responses to most surveys in Western countries. Conclusions: The Hong Kong Government's determination to implement a community-wide eHR is very much in line with dominant health systems' development and has favourable support from the general public.