Why Not: Reasons Healthcare Providers Resist EHRs
The following are some of the reasons people resist electronic health record (EHR) adoption. When examining their logic more closely, often those reasons are not as valid as they seem.
Reason # 1: Cost, investment
Usually the most prevalent reason to stay away from EHR is cost. While the cost may be high, there are ways to lower your initial investment. One way is taking advantage of Software as a Service (SaaS). You will not have to worry about buying and maintaining a server in your office, purchasing the licensed software, hiring an IT person to maintain it, worrying about security, whether or not you will back up your data properly or any of that. And the cost to you is your monthly subscription.
If you have a larger practice with many providers, you might be better off hosting your own server. However, you will obtain the best results if you also have your own IT person to maintain and update your system.
Reason # 2: Lack of direction, definition
The Health and Human Services (HHS) committee has mandated “meaningful use” but has not yet provided a definition. You can write it into your SaaS contract that upgrades and compliance would be included. Then when the HHS committee finally can define “meaningful use,” your EHR server provider would be obligated to make sure your service was compatible with the guidelines.
Reason # 3: Time complexity, learning curve
Yes, it does take a while to get used to a new piece of equipment. Yes, the first few days may be slower than they would be using your pen and paper chart, but next month when that patient comes back, you will be able to use keywords to access related information in the chart instantly. You would no longer have to page through a hundred pages of cold symptoms and x-rays while trying to see the last time your patient had a similar rash. Time saver.
Reason # 4: Past experiences with EHR
Some may have heard of other hospitals or practices that have had bad experiences with EHR systems.
Sure, as a new system or procedure begins, there are often problems. But computer companies looked at previous problems and are working to eliminate those while they roll out their new versions of EHR. True, there still may be some issues, but the old problems should be solved.
Reason # 5: Too many choices
Three words: Research, research, research!
To read more about this topic and the other five reasons, check out the full article by Nancy Stafford here.