An analysis of more than 250,000 ambulatory patient visits has found that use of electronic health records had an insignificant role in improving the quality of care, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researchers at Stanford University compared use of EHRs and clinical decision support software with the provision of care based on 20 treatment guidelines, such as whether proper medication was prescribed for patients with asthma or simple infections or whether smokers were counseled on ways to quit.
They found no benefit from having an EHR for 19 of the 20 measures. The one exception had to do with dietary advice. Patients with a high risk for illness were slightly more likely to receive counseling on a proper diet.
Read the Archives of Internal Medicine report on EHR effectiveness.
Read more coverage on use of electronic health records.
- Survey: 24% of Physicians Concerned About Negative Effects of EMR on Healthcare
- Half of Hospitals May Not Meet Meaningful Use Standards
- Survey: 81% of Hospitals, 41% of Practices Will Apply for Meaningful Use Funds
Researchers at Stanford University compared use of EHRs and clinical decision support software with the provision of care based on 20 treatment guidelines, such as whether proper medication was prescribed for patients with asthma or simple infections or whether smokers were counseled on ways to quit.
They found no benefit from having an EHR for 19 of the 20 measures. The one exception had to do with dietary advice. Patients with a high risk for illness were slightly more likely to receive counseling on a proper diet.
Read the Archives of Internal Medicine report on EHR effectiveness.
Read more coverage on use of electronic health records.
- Survey: 24% of Physicians Concerned About Negative Effects of EMR on Healthcare
- Half of Hospitals May Not Meet Meaningful Use Standards
- Survey: 81% of Hospitals, 41% of Practices Will Apply for Meaningful Use Funds