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Using electronic health records to help coordinate care.
Lynda C Burton1, Gerard F Anderson, Irvin W Kues
1Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. lburton@jhsph.edu
The Milbank Quarterly
|August 28, 2004
Summary
Electronic health records (EHRs) can improve care coordination for millions with chronic conditions. Key recommendations include a common health record, regional data exchange structures, and physician payment for EHR use.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Public Health
- Health Information Exchange
Background:
- 60 million Americans live with multiple chronic conditions, necessitating improved care coordination.
- Current fragmented patient data hinders effective management of chronic diseases.
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) offer a technological solution for seamless data transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize organizations developing EHR technology in the U.S.
- To discuss challenges in EHR implementation and current resolution initiatives.
- To provide recommendations for enhancing healthcare coordination through EHRs.
Main Methods:
- Review of organizations involved in EHR development.
- Analysis of encountered problems in EHR adoption and data exchange.
- Identification of current initiatives to address these challenges.
Main Results:
- Several organizations are actively developing EHR systems for data transmission.
- Challenges include interoperability, data security, and physician adoption.
- Initiatives focus on standardization and incentivizing EHR use.
Conclusions:
- A common health record, like the Continuity of Care Record, is crucial for clinical information exchange.
- Regional governance structures can foster the exchange of clinical data.
- Financial incentives from purchasers are recommended to promote physician EHR adoption.