[Electronic versus paper-based patient records: a cost-benefit analysis]

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Management
• Medical Economics

Background:

• Conventional paper-based patient charts present challenges in data management and accessibility.
• The transition to electronic patient records (EPRs) aims to enhance efficiency and data utilization in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis of implementing electronic patient records versus traditional paper-based systems.
• To evaluate the financial implications and quantifiable benefits of EPR adoption in a specialized hospital environment.

Main Methods:

• A cost-benefit analysis was performed for a 140-bed university eye hospital considering planned electronic patient records.
• Benefits were quantified based on direct cost savings attributable to electronic records.

Main Results:

• Initial analysis indicated an annual cost deficit of 42,000 DM for EPRs, with quantified benefits at 192,000 DM and investment costs at 234,000 DM.
• Extending depreciation to 6 years reduced the deficit to approximately 9,000 DM; increased wages further decreased costs, while functional losses increased deficits.
• Unquantifiable benefits, including advancements in research, teaching, quality control, and data accessibility, significantly enhance the overall value proposition of EPRs.

Conclusions:

• Quantifying the full advantages of electronic patient records solely through direct cost savings is challenging.
• The calculated cost deficit is minor and substantially offset by numerous qualitative benefits that are difficult to monetize.
• Electronic patient records offer substantial advantages beyond direct financial savings, impacting research, education, and data management.