Use of Electronic Health Records Is Appallingly Low in U.S. Hospitals

Fewer than 10% of surveyed hospitals use some form of electronic health records.

Health information technology improves healthcare quality and efficiency and prevents medical errors, but we do not have reliable estimates of electronic health record (EHR) adoption in U.S. hospitals. In a study of nearly 3000 U.S. acute care hospitals, researchers provide precise information on EHR uptake, degree of clinical implementation, and barriers to adoption. In 2008, hospitals were surveyed about their specific EHR functionalities and were divided into three categories (comprehensive EHR, basic EHR, or no EHR systems).

Overall, only 1.5% of U.S. hospitals were using comprehensive EHR systems, and 7.6% were using basic EHR systems that included physician notes and nursing assessments. Computerized provider order entry was available …

Reviewing Author

Aaron J. Calderon, MD, FACP

Disclosures

EquityAbbott; Medtronic; Merck; Pfizer; CVS Health Corp.; Bristol Myers Squibb

Aaron J. Calderon, MD, FACP

Disclosures

EquityAbbott; Medtronic; Merck; Pfizer; CVS Health Corp.; Bristol Myers Squibb