A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found adoption of advanced health IT capabilities among U.S. health systems is variable.
Researchers assessed responses from the 2017-18 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems. They studied the extent to which organizational structure, EHR standardization and resource allocation practices were associated with use of five advanced health IT capabilities.
The survey includes responses from 732 health systems, of which 446 responded, 425 met sample inclusion criteria and 389 reported consistent EHR use.
Researchers found adoption of advanced health IT capabilities is low, with a mean of 2.4 capabilities adopted. Only 8.4 percent of systems reported widespread adoption of all five capabilities.
Additionally, health systems that standardize their EHRs are most likely to have higher rates of advanced health IT adoption and use. Owning and managing hospitals and medical groups is also a significant predictor of advanced health IT adoption.