Value of Electronic Health Records
Summary
A number of recent articles have addressed the challenges that exist with implementing electronic medical records (EMRs). This research suggests about half of survey respondents identify either the installation process or the complexities of the EMR technology as the top challenge. Presently about one-quarter of respondent noted that their EMR implementation has exceeded or vastly exceeded expectations. However, at present, not all respondents are doing an assessment of the cost savings that can be generated from an EMR; one-quarter of respondents reported that they don’t measure the cost savings associated with their EMR system. Among the respondents who measure their cost savings, only six percent reported that the cost savings have exceeded expectations. Finally, nearly 40 percent reported that the organization they work for has experienced a patient safety or healthcare quality issue that can be directly tied to their electronic system (if they work for a vendor organization, they’ve had a client report this to be the case).
Primary Challenge in EMR Environment
One-third of respondents noted that the primary challenge associated with their EMR environment is focused on the implementation process, not the technology itself. Another 19 percent suggested that their primary challenge is a result of the complexities of the EMR technology. Only one percent stated that there are no challenges with the EMR environment.
Does Your Healthcare Provider Organization Communicate via Social Networking Technologies?
Approximately one-quarter of respondents noted that they work for a healthcare provider organization that communicates with patients and other individuals using social technology tools. A similar number (28 percent) reported that their organization does not use these types of tools for communication and has no plans to do so in the future.
Characterize Success of EMR Implementation
Slightly more than one-quarter of respondent (29 percent) noted that their EMR implementation has exceeded or vastly exceeded expectations. A similar percent (22 percent) noted that their implementation has not met their expectations.
Cost Savings From EMR Implementation
One-quarter of respondents reported that they don’t measure the cost savings associated with their EMR system. Among the respondents who measure their cost savings, only six percent reported that the cost savings have exceeded expectations. In comparison, 18 percent of respondents noted that they have not recouped costs.
Driving Force for Implementing EMRs
Two-thirds of respondents indicated that the driving force for installing an EMR at their organization is to improve quality of care and patient safety.
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