Change is happening
It would be understandable if the casual observer believed the state of EHRs to be in dire straits. The Senate HELP Committee has held several hearings on the lack of interoperability and dissatisfaction among physicians and a survey found that the number of buyers replacing existing EHR software has increased by 59 percent since 2014.
On the plus side, all the discontent should result in better products and processes for everyone. If it’s true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, much should come of all the current squeaks. The government wants to ensure that the $30 billion-plus investment in digitization results in an interoperable, learning healthcare system. EHR vendors have made commitments to work together, the government has called for a stop to information blocking practices and better standards are in the works.
This flurry of activity has to push us further along the path to greater efficiency, better outcomes, improved care and more satisfied providers and patients. There is no shortage of brain power on the case and while many may have used up their patience change is happening.
Beth Walsh
Clinical Innovation + Technology editor
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.