“[W]e did not find evidence for a J-curve pattern with respect to positive perceptions eventually exceeding baseline measures,” the authors concluded. “Some measures followed a U-curve (returned to baseline), or flatlined, while most followed an L-curve (fell and remained below baseline).”
The study is based on a prospective longitudinal survey of Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health System physicians over the course of two years, from when they dropped their homegrown CareWeb EHR, for Epic’s. Although all physicians received training on the new system and the system “invested substantial resources developing customized content,” according to the paper, the only significant increase over baseline perception after two years of the new EHR was for documenting while in the exam room with patients.
“Future research is warranted to determine if positive perceptions eventually surpass baseline, and what interventions can help physicians use EHRs more effectively,” the authors concluded.
More articles on EHRs:
Mayo study links EHRs with physician burnout
Is health IT really ‘digital snake oil?’ 8 leaders react to Dr. James Madara’s speech
4 in 10 physicians use workarounds in EHRs
