EMR Software Doesn't Hurt Patient Satisfaction According To Recent Studies

By: Christine Harrell

Physicians have many concerns regarding adoption of EMR software. Although the benefits are clear, many practices are worried the negatives outweigh the positives. An article in a recent issue of Canadian Family Physician identifies many of the issues surrounding patient satisfaction are not serious.

Relationship Between Physicians And Patients

One of the leading issues doctors have with EMR software is it puts a barrier between them and their patients. By focusing on the computer rather than the patient, they worry the interpersonal communication critical to effective diagnosis and treatment will be lost. This is particularly important to doctors with a high percentage of older patients, who are generally assumed to be more resistant to technological change.

Doctors have also wondered about the effect of EMR software on privacy. Protecting patient information is a hot topic among medical professionals and practices are concerned with both actual privacy and the perception of privacy. Although EMR systems are designed to be secure, if patients think their information is at risk this jeopardizes how comfortable they are speaking with the doctor.

Physician Concerns Unfounded According To Surveys

The January 2010 issue of Canadian Family Physician contains the results of a study done on patients at the Queen's University Family Medicine Centre. 300 patients selected at random were sent surveys with questions about their experience at the facility.

Over half of the patients who returned the survey felt the EMR software had a positive or very positive effect on their overall satisfaction with the visit. Less than 3% felt the computers had a negative effect. There was no correlation between age and satisfaction, with older patients showing the same level of satisfaction as younger patients with the doctor's use of computers.

Patients had no concern over privacy with less than 4% feeling computers decreased the security of information and over 40% feeling software enhances privacy.

Doctor's EMR Skills Improve Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction was affected by how the EMR software was used. There was a correlation between satisfaction and their perception of the doctors' skill with the software. Patients who felt that the office staff was positive about EMR use were also more likely to be happy with their visit. It is important a practice adopting EMR take time to implement the training needed and to approach the change with a good attitude to help patients see the advantages of the new system.

Finally, there was a correlation between the time the doctor spent chatting with the patient and the patient's rating of the office visit. Physicians need to be sure to talk to the patient rather than the computer so there is no decrease in interpersonal communication.

This study may enhance the momentum behind adoption of EMR software in this country. It removes many of the perceived obstacles of EMR adoption and shows physicians their patients are ready for the change.

Article Source: http://www.myhotarticles.com

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