Electronic medical record (EMR) systems can improve patient care and their usages are mandatory in many health care organizations. Yet, some physicians engaged in workaround behaviors as a response to their negative experiences in using EMR. Leveraging protection motivation theory, we propose a theoretical framework to understand what causes physicians to use EMR systems less effectively. We posit that EMR systems’ usability and physicians’ technology capability affect their appraisal of threats associated with EMR use, which in turn influences their workaround behaviors. We conclude with some implications to research and practice, and opportunities for future research
