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AOFAS member experience with computerization of the office
James D Michelson1, J Adam Speer
1Orthopaedic Surgery, George Washington School of Medicine, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA. orthopod@comcast.net
Foot & Ankle International
|August 24, 2005
Summary
Orthopaedic surgeons show varied opinions on electronic medical record (EMR) systems, citing cost and training as key barriers. Guidance is needed for selecting and implementing these systems in practice.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Increased interest in office-based electronic medical record (EMR) systems among orthopaedists due to HIPAA and medical error reports.
- Lack of existing literature guiding orthopaedic surgeons in EMR system selection and installation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify EMR-related concerns among members of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).
- To understand the perceived benefits and barriers to EMR implementation in orthopaedic practices.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey of AOFAS members conducted in Spring 2003.
- Inclusion of open-ended questions to gather diverse perspectives.
- Manual review, collation, and analysis of all survey responses.
Main Results:
- 130 respondents, evenly distributed by age, with 66% in private practice.
- 32% of respondents used an EMR system; usage was higher in academic practices.
- Commonly cited benefits included ease of chart handling; barriers were cost (50%) and training (30%).
Conclusions:
- Divergent opinions exist on EMR benefits (cost savings, improved record quality) and implementation barriers (transitioning from paper, mixed systems).
- Lack of accessible information contributes to varied opinions on EMR systems and vendor selection.
- Essential elements for EMR system acquisition are briefly outlined.