EMR Study Dispels Myths
The marketing strategy of electronic health records vendors may need some re-tooling following a recent publication in the Annals of Family Medicine. The report evaluated the quality of care for diabetes patients, comparing physician practices with or without electronic health records.
The study revealed that EMR systems don’t, in and of themselves, improve the nature of care received by patients with chronic conditions. In fact, non-electronic offices were more likely to follow treatment guidelines and meet benchmarks for outcomes.
The researchers concluded that EMRs are helpful when placed into the context of specifically leveraging the solution as a tool to improve both patient care and outcomes.
This context may provide further insight into tools and capabilities for practitioners and administrators considering adoption of an EMR solution.
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June 11, 2007 Related topics: General Management & Administration