Development and implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR) prototype for nursing students: A pilot study

• EMR education remains underrepresented in undergraduate nursing curricula. • This study demonstrates improved digital competence through EMR prototype training. • Findings support embedding EMR training to strengthen clinical preparedness in students. Integrating electronic medical records (EMR) training into nursing education is vital for preparing students to navigate digital healthcare systems and ensure safe patient care. Despite this, Australian nursing programs have lacked structured EMR training. This study explores the development and pilot implementation of an EMR prototype for second-year nursing students at an Australian university. To evaluate the usability and educational impact of an EMR training prototype, focusing on students’ confidence, perceived competence, and digital documentation skills. A mixed-methods approach combined pre- and post-intervention surveys and open-ended feedback. Quantitative data were collected using SANICS-18 and a validated usability scale; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Of 79 students, 28 matched pre- and post-surveys were analyzed. The prototype received high usability ratings (6.45/7). A moderate negative correlation between age and usability indicated older students found the system less intuitive. Key themes included usability, realism, and documentation challenges. The EMR prototype improved students’ confidence in digital documentation and supported clinical preparedness. Findings support integrating structured EMR training into nursing curricula.