Hospital executives recognize the benefits of adopting electronic health records but remain concerned about start-up costs and the employee training required to launch systems within their facilities, according to a survey conducted by technology manufacturer Dell.
The poll of 150 executives reveals that 87% believe information technology will help them share quality of care data within their health systems, and 84% think the technology would help their physicians connect with patients. But less than half believe the transition to EHRs will ultimately be a positive change for their hospitals. Nearly 80% express concern over the difficulties of teaching their employees to use the new technology, and 85% fear they won't be able to afford the initial and continued investment it demands.
A little more than three-fourths of the executives say they are concerned about maximizing incentive payments afforded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which awards payments to hospitals that install and demonstrate "meaningful use" of electronic record systems. Three out of four executives say they have fully or partially implemented EHRs in their hospitals, 83% of which would fulfill the government's meaningful use requirements.
Federal payments aren't the only driving force behind the adoption of electronic data storage and exchange, the survey reveals. Increasing numbers of patients are relying on information technology to research their treatment options and increasingly expect to develop connections with physicians and the facilities they choose to visit. A little more than 80% of the 309 patients surveyed claimed they want electronic access to information about a hospital's medical expertise, physician experience and insurance acceptance, among other factors, to help determine the best choice for their care.
While 83% of hospital executives are in favor of facilitating direct patient contact through online portals, only 18% have implemented them (62% are planning to do so).
The No. 1 technology-related concern expressed by patients is the safety and security of electronically stored health records, an issue that facility leaders must be aware of and address, notes the report.
"Other industries have gone through major legislative or technology changes, but healthcare is going through both at once," says Chris Bergman, CFO of The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. "We know that the way we deliver care will change, but we don't know exactly how."
Daniel Cook
