This article highlights issues with almost any type of system, not just healthcare IT systems: interoperability, usability, implementation. . .I have a friend who is on a team that designs and implements electronic health record (EHR)systems. She says the problems are many: cultural (especially when hospitals and practices with different practices have been merged), users who can't and/or won't participate early in the requirements development phase, surgeons/demi-gods who don't believe they need EHR systems. . .And I recently read of a doctor who said that one of the biggest improvements to the system in her hospital would be to remove the "cut-and-paste" functionality. She sees entries that are clearly incorrect - and often impossible - and are obviously the result of "cut-and-paste" run amok.
Nonetheless, I think we do need these systems. They may not save that much money, but should result in better patient outcomes. We just need to design and implement them better. I know - obviously easier said than done.
Nonetheless, I think we do need these systems. They may not save that much money, but should result in better patient outcomes. We just need to design and implement them better. I know - obviously easier said than done.