Title

Electronic health records in small physician practices: availability, use, and perceived benefits

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Quantitative Health Sciences

Publication Date

2011-05-01

Document Type

Article

Subjects

*Diffusion of Innovation; Electronic Health Records; Female; Group Practice; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Male; *Physician's Practice Patterns; Practice Management, Medical; Private Practice; United States

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Health Services Research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine variation in the adoption of electronic health record (EHR) functionalities and their use patterns, barriers to adoption, and perceived benefits by physician practice size.

DESIGN: Mailed survey of a nationally representative random sample of practicing physicians identified from the Physician Masterfile of the American Medical Association. Measurements We measured, stratified by practice size: (1) availability of EHR functionalities, (2) functionality use, (3) barriers to the adoption and use of EHR, and (4) impact of the EHR on the practice and quality of patient care.

RESULTS: With a response rate of 62%, we found that < 2% of physicians in solo or two-physician (small) practices reported a fully functional EHR and 5% reported a basic EHR compared with 13% of physicians from 11+ group (largest group) practices with a fully functional system and 26% with a basic system. Between groups, a 21-46% difference in specific functionalities available was reported. Among adopters there were moderate to large differences in the use of the EHR systems. Financial barriers were more likely to be reported by smaller practices, along with concerns about future obsolescence. These differences were sizable (13-16%) and statistically significant (p < 0.001). All adopters reported similar benefits. Limitations Although we have adjusted for response bias, influences may still exist.

CONCLUSION: Our study found that physicians in small practices have lower levels of EHR adoption and that these providers were less likely to use these systems. Ensuring that unique barriers are addressed will be critical to the widespread meaningful use of EHR systems among small practices.

Keywords

UMCCTS funding

DOI of Published Version

10.1136/amiajnl-2010-000010

Source

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2011 May 1;18(3):271-5. doi 10.1136/amiajnl-2010-000010. Link to article on publisher's site

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

21486885

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