people to use the computer system,” he said.
Most physicians are not computer ex-
perts, and many doctors who have a 20- year history of using a paper system are likely finding it difficult to transition to EHRs, he says.
“In the old days, the doctor would scribble on a piece of paper or call in the nurse,” Dr. Sittig said. “The computer is now requiring people to do more work than before, and it’s a new kind of work.” Even with minimal computer experi- ence, physicians know it should not be as hard as it often is to use EHRs, Dr. Sittig says. The SAFER guides empower physicians to expect more from their EHR system, including the fast process- ing of information. “It should take less than a second to get lab results on the screen,” he said. By allowing physicians to expect
more, the guides can give professionals the confidence to call their IT staff or
EHR vendor and demand the systems be fixed or upgraded when they encounter flaws, Dr. Sittig says, adding the more knowledgeable doctors are about EHRs, the less they will stand for glitches. But that doesn’t mean doctors can pass all the responsibility. Basic typing skills and time commitment are pivotal to ensuring the systems operate correctly. “The guides require more work, and
they’re going to require physicians to in- vest more money, and they require EHR vendors to offer some new features,” he said. Dr. Sittig believes that if health pro- fessionals implement and regularly re- view the SAFER guides for the next five years, superior EHR technology will hit the market. “Eventually, better systems are really going to improve patient care,” he said. Dr. Singh says he foresees three phases in the evolution of EHRs: De- velop safe technology, learn how to use
it safely, and monitor and measure its performance.
“It’s a starting point,” he said. “We
think this process of evolution is going to be long but fruitful and will improve patient care and health outcomes.”
Docright helps TMA members select EHRs
Do you need to upgrade or install an electronic health record (EHR) system, but you’re not sure where to start? San Diego-based Docright can help
you make more informed decisions about medical technology. The Texas Medical Association affiliate gives phy- sicians access to a comprehensive data- base of health care vendors, products
TM
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www.richies.com Compounded medications are not FDA-approved nor are they reviewed by the FDA for safety and/or efficacy. 38 TEXAS MEDICINE June 2014
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