Adoption of electronic health records and barriers
Author Department
Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
10-2016
Abstract
Electronic health records (EHR) are not a new idea in the U.S. medical system, but surprisingly there has been very slow adoption of fully integrated EHR systems in practice in both primary care settings and within hospitals. For those who have invested in EHR, physicians report high levels of satisfaction and confidence in the reliability of their system. There is also consensus that EHR can improve patient care, promote safe practice, and enhance communication between patients and multiple providers, reducing the risk of error. As EHR implementation continues in hospitals, administrative and physician leadership must actively investigate all of the potential risks for medical error, system failure, and legal responsibility before moving forward. Ensuring that physicians are aware of their responsibilities in relation to their charting practices and the depth of information available within an EHR system is crucial for minimizing the risk of malpractice and lawsuit. Hospitals must commit to regular system upgrading and corresponding training for all users to reduce the risk of error and adverse events.
Recommended Citation
Palabindala V, Pamarthy A, Jonnalagadda NR. Adoption of electronic health records and barriers. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2016 Oct 26;6(5):32643.
PMID
27802857