The majority of Vermont residents are familiar with both electronic health records and the state's health information exchange, according to a recent survey from nonprofit Vermont Information Technology Leaders.
According to the survey, 86 percent of respondents have heard either a lot or some about EHRs and 77 percent had awareness of the HIE.
Vermont residents see the benefits of HIEs and data exchange between providers. Survey results found 90 percent believe the HIE helps to better coordinate care, 90 percent believe the HIE helps providers access the most accurate patient information and 81 percent believes the HIE improves patient safety.
This positive view of the HIE leads 83 percent of residents to be either very or somewhat comfortable with their health information being stored electronically.
"The results from the survey are very encouraging and healthcare consumers clearly understand the benefits of health IT and in particular the benefits of sharing of patient health information through the HIE," said John K. Evans, VITL president and CEO, in a news release. "The potential benefits that the respondents to the survey believe can be achieved through the sharing of patient health information will lead to better healthcare outcomes for all state residents."
The survey featured responses from 502 state residents collected in February.
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