An analysis by Kaiser Permanente as shown the use of health information technology can significantly produce environmental savings in healthcare, according to a system news release.
The study used a unique model evaluating the effects of EHR use on greenhouse gases, waste, toxic chemicals and water use within the Kaiser Permanente system, which operates the world's largest private electronic health record.
The study found comprehensive use of HIT by Kaiser:
• Avoided the use of 1,044 tons of paper annually for medical charts
• Eliminated as much as 92,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by replacing face-to-face patient visits with virtual ones
• Avoided 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by filling prescriptions online
• Reduced the use of toxic chemicals by 33.3 tons by digitizing and archiving X-ray and scan images
Overall, the Kaiser's HIT use resulted in a positive net effect on the environment despite the increased energy used from personal computers, according to the release.
Read the Kaiser Permanente release on the study of EHRs and environmental benefits.
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The study used a unique model evaluating the effects of EHR use on greenhouse gases, waste, toxic chemicals and water use within the Kaiser Permanente system, which operates the world's largest private electronic health record.
The study found comprehensive use of HIT by Kaiser:
• Avoided the use of 1,044 tons of paper annually for medical charts
• Eliminated as much as 92,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by replacing face-to-face patient visits with virtual ones
• Avoided 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions by filling prescriptions online
• Reduced the use of toxic chemicals by 33.3 tons by digitizing and archiving X-ray and scan images
Overall, the Kaiser's HIT use resulted in a positive net effect on the environment despite the increased energy used from personal computers, according to the release.
Read the Kaiser Permanente release on the study of EHRs and environmental benefits.
Related Articles on Healthcare Information Technology:
More Educational Institutions Incorporating EMR Training in Curriculum
8 Steps to Smoothly Achieve Meaningful Use
FDA, FCC Work on Approving Wireless Technology for Healthcare More Quickly