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Published on: February 16, 2011
Achieving meaningful use: a health system perspective.
1Partners HealthCare, Needham, MA 02494, USA. cbero@partners.org
The American Journal of Managed Care
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Partners HealthCare accelerated physician adoption of ambulatory electronic medical records through quality software, financial incentives, and leadership engagement. Their multi-year strategy offers insights into large-scale health system EMR implementation.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Information Technology in Medicine
Background:
- Partners HealthCare initiated a large-scale strategy in 2002 to increase the adoption of ambulatory electronic medical records (EMRs) across its extensive network.
- The initiative involved over 6000 physicians within a diverse health system, aiming for widespread EMR integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the multi-year strategy employed by Partners HealthCare to accelerate the adoption and optimize the use of ambulatory EMRs.
- To provide insights into the process of implementing electronic medical records across a large and varied healthcare system.
Main Methods:
- Focused on delivering high-quality software products for EMR systems.
- Implemented a financial incentive program to encourage physician adoption.
- Ensured active engagement and support from health system leadership.
- Introduced tactics to optimize the effective use of EMR systems post-adoption.
Main Results:
- Achieved high levels of physician adoption of ambulatory EMRs by late 2006.
- Successfully transitioned to a mandate requiring EMR use for all physicians.
- Developed strategies for effective EMR utilization alongside adoption efforts.
Conclusions:
- A combination of quality technology, financial incentives, and leadership commitment can drive significant EMR adoption in large health systems.
- Partners' experience provides valuable lessons for other healthcare organizations navigating EMR implementation and optimization.
- The initiative's focus on effective use complements national priorities like meaningful use under the HITECH Act.
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