EMRs Still Have a Long Way to GoEMRs Still Have a Long Way to Go

Although the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) is increasing, the systems are still challenged with ensuring that doctors can take full advantage of the programs as well as privacy issues. EMR adoption jumped from 23% to 35% between 2005 and 2007, according to a study that surveyed Massachusetts doctors.

May 11, 2009

1 Min Read
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While this is good news, the coauthor of the study, Steven Simon, MD, also reported there was little progress in features, such as reminders for clinical tests or patient appointments, that promote safety and efficiency. These reminders either weren't available in the offices of doctors who used EMRs, or doctors simply didn't report using them.The Boston Globe also cited a study that found that state privacy laws reduced a hospital's adoption of an EMR, and it's just too expensive to use customized software.But most importantly, designers of EMR software really need to be in tune with how doctors and nurses do their jobs. EMRs must provide valuable, real-time information in a comprehensive manner to ensure clinicians aren't wasting time that they simply don't have.

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