Epocrates DocAlert Messages — Editor's Pick
British Medical Journal
Published 1 April 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.b1296
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b1296
[Link to free full-text pdf with graphics]
Short Cuts
All you need to read in the other general journals
Paper still rules in US hospitals
N Engl J Med 2009;360 doi: [Link to free full-text NEJM article]
Fewer than 2% of US hospitals have a comprehensive and fully implemented system of electronic health records. [Link to free pdf for graphic] Even basic systems are uncommon, according to a recent national survey. Computerisation was generally patchy, although around three quarters of hospitals reported electronic access to laboratory test results (77%), radiological images (69%), and radiology reports (78%). One in five hospitals had a computerised system for ordering diagnostic tests and one in six had a system for ordering drugs. Only 12% had electronic doctors' notes in all clinical departments. The authors sent their survey to all members of the American Hospital Association, and got responses from 3049 (63.1%).
Progress has been slow despite a broad consensus that electronic health records should improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of health care, say the authors. Money seems to be the main problem. Three quarters of hospitals without comprehensive systems said they couldn't afford to buy one. Perceived maintenance costs were another commonly cited barrier to full implementation (44%).
Large financial incentives are on the way, however. The country's brand new fiscal stimulus bill includes a $19bn (£13bn; €14bn) package to promote the use of health information technology, writes one commentator (p 1477). The package includes payments to doctors and hospitals that implement electronic health records quickly and penalties for those who drag their feet.
© 2009 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Receive messages like this for free when you update.