A recent survey by the Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership Authority reveals patients in the state are generally more aware of issues surrounding electronic medical records than health information exchanges, but feel strongly about both.
"As the healthcare industry transitions to a new, outcomes-based model, giving providers and patients information when and where they need it to make the best decisions around care, will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes," said Alix Goss, Pennsylvania Health IT Coordinator, in a news release.
"Secure exchange of healthcare information can also improve community health status and help to lower overall costs. Our survey results will help us target various segments of the consumer population to focus attention on the benefits and value of information exchange."
Findings about EMRs include:
- 84.9 percent of respondents are aware medical records can be stored electronically, and 67.9 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 47.1 percent are aware electronic medical records may reduce administrative costs, and 78.9 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 54.5 percent are aware EMRs may allow for better care decisions, and 85.2 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 43.6 percent believe EMRs can allow for online patient access to medical records, and 71 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
Findings about HIEs include:
- 51 percent are aware HIEs allow physician access to records regardless of storage location, and 84.7 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 43.8 percent are aware HIEs can allow secure patient access to all records, and 80.6 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 55.4 percent are aware HIEs improve physicians' ability to coordinate care, and 86 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 40 percent are aware HIEs improve public health monitoring, and 84.3 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 44.1 percent are aware HIEs reduce duplicative labs, and 84.5 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
- 28.3 percent are aware HIE standards are currently being developed, and 72.8 percent believe the issue is somewhat or very important.
Results are based on the responses of 1,144 Pennsylvania citizens collected between February and June 2013.
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