Researchers at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago conducted a literature review, interviews, a comprehensive environment scan and a series of site visits to federally qualified health centers between April and September 2010.
Four systems were used across the six test sites: MedLynks, WorldVistA, OpenMRS and ClearHealth.
Discovered advantages of the open EHR systems include:
• Appropriate level of functionality
• Easy to download and install
• Able to modify the EHR system to fit the needs of the facility
• Lower acquisition and implementation costs (30 to 60 percent less than commercial systems)
• Inherent interoperability found in many open-source systems
Discovered disadvantages include:
• Some design flaws that were not apparent during initial implementation
• Need for a higher level of technical skill among IT staff to fully utilize the software
• Continuing stigma against the use of open-source EHRs
More Articles on EHRs:
Study: EHRs Linked to Cost Savings in Outpatient Settings
HHS’ Dr. Farzad Mostashari: EHRs Improve Patient Safety
AMA Releases Best Practices for Using EHRs Around Patients
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