Study Shows EHR Implementation Improves Medical Office Efficiency

A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that implementation of EHR can improve medical office efficiency and time management without diminishing trust in the physician-patient relationship, according to the Annals report.

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The study found staff concerns about potential harmful consequences of EHR implementation were dispelled in a clinical setting, and physicians appeared comfortable with a “third actor” in the room. Staff resistance to implementation diminished over time as a result of improved work efficiencies, including decreased physician time out of the examination room.

Renee Shield, PhD, of Brown University in Pawtucket, R.I., and her colleagues conducted a 22-month, mixed methods study of gradual EHR implementation from 2005 to 2006 at the Family Care Center at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. The researchers collected data on 170 clinical encounters, patient exit interviews and focus groups.

Read the Annals of Family Medicine report “Gradual Electronic Health Record Implementation: New Insights on Physician and Patient Adaptation.”

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