Dr. Washington expects the technology to continue to improve, from EHR usability to clinical documentation, and maintains it benefits hospitals and patients, according to the report.
“We are probably still in an evolutionary phase when it comes to the ultimate usability of [EHRs],” Dr. Washington told Tech Target. “At the end of the day, keeping your eye on having improved patient outcomes and better patient care, the efficiencies, I believe, will follow.”
Dr. Washington also said the ONC is working with CMS to ensure documentation serves to improve care and care coordination, rather than just the purpose of record keeping. Additionally, he voiced support for emerging technologies like blockchain, and said the ONC has received a number of proposals to pursue such technology for information sharing and patient data security.
More articles on health IT:
Developing technology too quickly could result in security gaps
Boston Children’s 2014 hacker explains why he did it
Wyoming CIO departs for position at Google
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
