Physicians are constantly adapting to the demands of the workplace and adopting
digital tools to keep up. These demands are being driven by evolving business models
such as value-based reimbursement and virtual care, and by technologies such as
electronic health records (EHRs) and precision medicine.
EHRs are arguably the greatest technological leap forward in the last several decades.
They are designed to integrate different functions that were previously handled by
multiple systems, such as patient registration, billing, clinical documentation, lab results,
and prescriptions.
EHRs aim to improve patient outcomes by providing a comprehensive and accurate
record of a patient’s health history, current condition, and treatment plan. They also
enable data sharing and collaboration among different healthcare providers and
organizations.
However, EHRs also face significant challenges that hinder their full potential. One of
the main challenges is healthcare interoperability, which refers to the ability of different
systems and devices to exchange and use patient data seamlessly.
Healthcare interoperability is essential for delivering cost-effective, high-quality care, but
it is often hampered by misaligned business incentives among industry players, such as
EHR vendors, hospitals, insurers, and regulators. For example, some EHR vendors
may make it difficult for their customers to access or share data with other EHR
products, in order to protect their market share and revenue.
Another challenge is clinician burnout, which is partly caused by the poor usability and
efficiency of EHRs. Many clinicians complain that EHRs are too complex,
time-consuming, and distracting, and that they take away their focus from the patient.
Some studies have linked EHR use to increased stress, dissatisfaction, and turnover
among physicians.
Despite these challenges, many physicians still recognize the value of EHRs for patient
care. According to a survey by Hewlett Packard Enterprise in May 2021, 80% of
clinicians agreed that their current EHR system supports better patient outcomes.
The survey also found that physicians are eager to adopt other digital tools that can
enhance their practice, such as artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, remote monitoring,
and cloud computing. These tools can help physicians analyze large amounts of data,
provide personalized and preventive care, and reach more patients across different
locations.
The future of healthcare is digital, and physicians are at the forefront of this
transformation. By embracing digital tools and overcoming their challenges, physicians
can improve patient care and satisfaction while also increasing their own productivity
and well-being