KLAS: Critical-access hospitals seek more IT options
Facing the same 'meaningful use' deadlines as larger organizations but with only a few viable vendor options, critical-access hospitals (hospital with 50 or fewer beds) are eager for more IT power, according to a report from market research firm KLAS.
KLAS polled more than 300 healthcare professionals at critical-access hospitals and found a desire for software capability that exceeds vendors' ability to deliver, particularly in areas such as computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems.
Only a handful of EMR vendors specifically serve the critical-access market, with Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. (CPSI), Healthland (formerly Dairyland) and Healthcare Management Solutions enjoying the most market share. Of those companies, Healthland received the highest performance rating, according to the KLAS survey, but none of the vendors' solutions earned high marks for adequate functionality.
"Among the three vendors rated in the report, Healthland's EMR solution earned the highest score for having the needed functionality," said report author Paul Pitcher, KLAS research director. "But that score was still relatively low, with only 55 percent of customers satisfied.
"In addition, for all of the rated products, only about 50 percent of the provider comments regarding functionality and upgrades were positive, suggesting significant gaps with the current offerings," Pitcher said.
One of the foremost pieces of missing functionality, particularly in light of impending meaningful use requirements, is CPOE. The report noted that CPSI is by far the leader in delivering CPOE to critical-access hospitals, with installations at 17 organizations that are likely to be the most ready for meeting the 'meaningful use' requirement. In general, however, CPOE adoption is limited and shallow in this space, with a total of only 21 critical-access hospitals known to be live on CPOE.
Beyond the three leading vendors, a few companies that have traditionally served larger community hospitals also are having some impact among facilities with 50 or fewer beds. McKesson Paragon is increasingly being considered by hospital executives in smaller spaces, and QuadraMed has a few Affinity clients--most of which are financial customers in these facilities. Although Meditech is known as a community hospital vendor, the cost of the Meditech EMR prevents the smallest hospitals from its serious consideration, according to the report.
To access the full report, visit www.KLASresearch.com.
KLAS polled more than 300 healthcare professionals at critical-access hospitals and found a desire for software capability that exceeds vendors' ability to deliver, particularly in areas such as computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems.
Only a handful of EMR vendors specifically serve the critical-access market, with Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. (CPSI), Healthland (formerly Dairyland) and Healthcare Management Solutions enjoying the most market share. Of those companies, Healthland received the highest performance rating, according to the KLAS survey, but none of the vendors' solutions earned high marks for adequate functionality.
"Among the three vendors rated in the report, Healthland's EMR solution earned the highest score for having the needed functionality," said report author Paul Pitcher, KLAS research director. "But that score was still relatively low, with only 55 percent of customers satisfied.
"In addition, for all of the rated products, only about 50 percent of the provider comments regarding functionality and upgrades were positive, suggesting significant gaps with the current offerings," Pitcher said.
One of the foremost pieces of missing functionality, particularly in light of impending meaningful use requirements, is CPOE. The report noted that CPSI is by far the leader in delivering CPOE to critical-access hospitals, with installations at 17 organizations that are likely to be the most ready for meeting the 'meaningful use' requirement. In general, however, CPOE adoption is limited and shallow in this space, with a total of only 21 critical-access hospitals known to be live on CPOE.
Beyond the three leading vendors, a few companies that have traditionally served larger community hospitals also are having some impact among facilities with 50 or fewer beds. McKesson Paragon is increasingly being considered by hospital executives in smaller spaces, and QuadraMed has a few Affinity clients--most of which are financial customers in these facilities. Although Meditech is known as a community hospital vendor, the cost of the Meditech EMR prevents the smallest hospitals from its serious consideration, according to the report.
To access the full report, visit www.KLASresearch.com.