Challenges to Healthcare Professionals Regarding the Use of Electronic Health Records in PHCs

Background: The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) within Primary Health Care (PHC) has transformed healthcare delivery, offering both opportunities and challenges for healthcare professionals. Implementation of EHRs has raised issues of usability, workflow adaptation, data security, ethical concerns, and professional competency. These challenges affect clinical efficiency, communication, and patient satisfaction, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of barriers to effective use. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted using major academic databases. The review identified key themes influencing EHR effectiveness in PHC settings, including system design, workflow integration, data protection, ethical governance, and user competency. Results: Findings reveal that complex interface designs, cognitive overload, and workflow misalignment reduce efficiency and increase documentation time, limiting patient interaction. Administrative burden and decreased team communication disrupt collaboration and contribute to clinician burnout. Concerns regarding data privacy, unauthorized access, and unclear consent policies undermine trust in digital systems. Additionally, insufficient training and low digital literacy hinder optimal EHR use and confidence among healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The success of EHR implementation depends not only on technological innovation but also on organizational readiness, leadership, and continuous professional development. To maximize EHR potential, healthcare organizations should adopt user-centered design, reinforce cybersecurity, standardize interoperability, and provide ongoing education. These measures can ensure EHR systems enhance care quality, support clinical decisions, and promote an efficient, ethical PHC environment.