Research findings show that electronic health records systems provide improved benefits over paper workarounds but also demonstrate some significant challenges as well, according to an Indiana University news release.
The research specifically focused on referrals by primary care physicians to specialists and communications from the specialists back to the referring physician. Their study of the Veterans Health Administration showed EHRs demonstrate benefits over paper workarounds, including legibility of patient data and decreased likelihood of misplaced information. However, EHRs also demonstrated automated communications between primary care physicians and specialists sometimes led to reduced contact or breakdowns in communication.
Read the news release about EHR challenges.
Related Articles on EHRs:
Hospitals Developing Patient Portals for Better Access to Personal Health Information
Healthcare Providers That Don't E-Prescribe May See 1% Medicare Payment Reduction
CDC Seeks Vendor to Assist in Developing Requirements for Syndromic Surveillance
The research specifically focused on referrals by primary care physicians to specialists and communications from the specialists back to the referring physician. Their study of the Veterans Health Administration showed EHRs demonstrate benefits over paper workarounds, including legibility of patient data and decreased likelihood of misplaced information. However, EHRs also demonstrated automated communications between primary care physicians and specialists sometimes led to reduced contact or breakdowns in communication.
Read the news release about EHR challenges.
Related Articles on EHRs:
Hospitals Developing Patient Portals for Better Access to Personal Health Information
Healthcare Providers That Don't E-Prescribe May See 1% Medicare Payment Reduction
CDC Seeks Vendor to Assist in Developing Requirements for Syndromic Surveillance