EHR success requires examination of the big picture

Wide-reaching collaboration to address medico-legal concerns inherent in EHR implementation is necessary if the new technology is to flourish, the Journal of AHIMA reported in its October issue.

 

Healthcare systems, the federal government, patient safety groups, and payers advocate widespread use of EHRs, but physicians remain reticent, according to the article. Advocates boast the ability of EHRs to reduce costs, increase efficiency, improve quality of care, and increase patient safety, but physicians are wary of installation costs, workflow and workload changes, and reported de-installation rates that approach 20%.

 

Focusing solely on cost and workflow detracts attention from other implications of EHR use, such as e-discovery, unique documentation issues, and the resulting changing standard of practice, the journal reported. 

 

Click here to read the Journal of AHIMA article.