A handful of hospitals and physician groups in the Bloomington, Ind., area are in various stages of EMR implementation. Those who are live are relaying the benefits of having patient information at the point of care.
Not only are physicians saying access to the information is saving time and enabling them to practice safer medicine, but their patients are equally impressed by their knowledge of the current state of health and healthcare services received. I would go further and say these types of encounters build a stronger bond between patient and physician and increase the level of trust.
The other benefit that isn't mentioned enough is the ability of physicians to access patient data outside of the hospital and at any time of day. At a time when the primary care physician (PCPs) shortage continues to grow, EMRs help make those in the profession more efficient.
The other plus for PCPs is the freedom to be away from the hospital. If you can access patient data from a mobile device or home computer, you can theoretically deliver safe care anywhere at any time.
Quality of life is a big issue with physicians, who have listed burnout as a significant reason for leaving the profession or transitioning to another area of medicine. If you untether physicians and give them more portability and freedom through the EMR, you have given an improved quality of life and given the physician office or hospital a happier employee.
There are many issues associated with EMR adoption. But every now and then it's good to read about a physician practice of hospital that is appreciating the value EMRs bring to their facility.
Photo by chaunceydavis818 courtesy of Creative Commons license.
