Question

Which of the following scenarios or factors are identified as barriers to implementing an EHR system? Select all that apply.

Supplies for maintaining manual records are relatively inexpensive.

The federal government is offering incentives for practices that adopt EHRs.

Patient safety and privacy decrease when migrating to electronic records.

The conversion from paper to electronic records is a time-consuming process.

Many providers and healthcare professionals like the status quo and do not see the need for change.

There is a significant cost associated with transitioning to EHRs.

Security is tighter for paper records because they can be locked up.

Productivity may be lost during the transition process from paper to electronic records.

Paper records allow for greater efficiency during patient exams.

Quality of record-keeping is increased with EHRs.

Answer 1

BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENT EHR:

1. Supplies for maintaining manual records are relatively inexpensive

EHR products are expensive and require major investment. It requires adequate financial planning to be successful.

2.  Patient safety and privacy decrease when migrating to electronic records

There is concern for patient privacy and confidentiality when moving to EHR because it is easily available and the information can be misused.

3. The conversion from paper to electronic records is a time-consuming process

Moving to EHR depends on a variety of factors such as technology, leadership, environment, change management etc. It requires adequate planning and phased intervention to move to EHR.

4. Many providers and healthcare professionals like the status quo and do not see the need for change

EHR benefits others such as society and payers and not much to providers. So the providers and health care professionals do not see the need for change. Attitude of the users is a major barrier to implementing EHR

5. There is a significant cost associated with transitioning to EHRs

EHR products are costly for installation and maintenance than paper work. Financial planning is essential for successful EHR management

6. Security is tighter for paper records because they can be locked up

The access to paper records can be limited and tight security can be maintained, not so with EHR. These are information on computers and can be easily accessed if tight control is not maintained.

7. Productivity may be lost during the transition process from paper to electronic records

EHR implementation affects the practice productivity and disturbs the workflow. Most of the time could be spent in maintaining electronic documents than quality time spent on work

8. Paper records allow for greater efficiency during patient exams

Paper records are simple and easy to use and is effecitn during patient exams. EHRs may use codes and technically efficient personel to EHR