EHR: Electronic Health Records & Health Records Survey Information from Accenture

The issue of electronic health records (EHRs) has captured considerable attention in recent months. Borrowing from the example of countries including the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia, the US government has established a vision of interoperable electronic health records within 10 years.

But many unanswered questions remain. What are health industry executives thinking about the government's call to action on EHRs? What are they doing to respond, and what further action would they like to see from the government?

To receive more Research & Insights, sign up for My Outlook, your single e-mail source for all of Accenture's latest ideas and innovation, personalized specifically to your business interests and the industry issues you face.

To explore their perspectives regarding EHRs, Accenture surveyed executives of hospitals, health insurance plans, physician groups, health technology vendors and other health organizations.

Many health organizations are interested, receptive and committed to adopting EHRs. A significant proportion of health organizations have already taken some action to implement clinical information technology, and the majority of organizations see EHRs as having financial rewards. But the findings also indicate the need to establish consistent definitions for EHRs.

Health organizations need to understand specifically what is required for an interoperable electronic health record. They need a road map that shows how their current efforts to implement systems for nursing documentation, computerized physician order entry (CPOE), electronic lab and radiology results, online health portals, etc. will relate to the government's vision for EHRs.

Concrete steps toward EHR adoption are underway or planned in the vast majority of health organizations. The vast majority of respondents indicated that they are addressing EHRs and/or plan to take action within the next six months.

Our survey found that the majority of health organizations see EHRs as having a positive financial impact over the long term. This perspective was shared by hospitals, health insurers, physicians, health technology vendors and other types of health organizations.

Health organizations view up-front financial expenditures as the primary barrier to EHRs, although they recognize the ultimate financial benefits.

The findings point to a need to educate the industry about the specific functions that will be required to meet the government's goals of informing clinical practice, interconnecting clinicians, personalizing patient care and improving population health.

Electronic health records, now on the horizon, will become an integral part of the US health care system in the near future. Payers, providers and hospitals alike have an opportunity now to prepare for the eventuality of EHRs.

Individual players need to develop electronic methods of storing and tracking clinical information, and need to train practitioners—and eventually their patient groups—in the new technology. The end result will be more efficient, affordable and accessible health care.

To receive more Research & Insights, sign up for My Outlook, your single e-mail source for all of Accenture's latest ideas and innovation, personalized specifically to your business interests and the industry issues you face.