Researchers closely followed a multimillion-dollar information technology project deployed at six primary care offices from 2003-2006. The offices were part of a large primary care physician network affiliated with an academic medical center.
The EMR’s impact on physician productivity was measured by logging data on work hours and output before and after the installment of the system. Data was collected for approximately 100 physicians across three primary care categories — internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine — and the six clinics.
Results from the study showed a 25-33 percent drop in physician productivity in the initial implementation phases of the EMR. Additionally, internal medicine units experienced a slight increase in productivity, compared to pediatric and family practice units that experienced a slightly lower productivity rate. Researchers are suggesting differences in productivity may correlate to technology design, workflows and health administration expectations for each category of primary care.
Read the news release about EMR impact on primary care.
Read other coverage about physician productivity and EMRs:
– 11 Best Practices for Maximizing Healthcare IT Incentive Payments
– Understanding Clinical Processes After Implementing EMRs: Q&A With Ravi Sharma, CEO of 4Medica
