Study: MU Stage 1 impacts adoption sequence of EHR functions

Stage 1 Meaningful Use (MU) likely is impacting how hospitals sequence EHR adoption, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. For example, it spurs providers to move clinical guidelines and medication computerized provider order entry ahead in sequence.

Researchers from the University of Michigan analyzed the order in which 2,797 general acute care non-federal hospitals adopted several EHR functions. They also qualitatively assessed whether Stage 1 MU functions were adopted early in the sequence.

The study found that patient demographic and ancillary results functions were consistently adopted first, while physician notes, clinical reminders and guidelines were the final functions adopted. Of the sample, small hospitals exhibited greater homogeneity than urban and teaching hospitals.

“Stronger homogeneity among small, rural and non-teaching hospitals may be driven by greater reliance on vendors and less variation in the types of care they deliver,” wrote Julia Adler-Milstein, MD, University of Michigan et al.

Also, EHR functions emphasized in Stage 1 MU were spread throughout the scale, the researchers reported.

“While there is a common sequence underlying adoption of EHR functions, the degree of adherence to the sequence varies by key hospital characteristics. Stage 1 Meaningful Use likely alters the sequence,” concluded the authors.

Access the study here.