Business
Two surveys, two conclusions on EMR
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 25, 2006
Two recent national surveys measuring public attitudes toward the value of electronic personal and medical records have reached different conclusions.
On Dec. 7, the Markle Foundation released a survey that found that 97% of Americans think it's important for their doctors to be able to access all of their medical records so doctors can provide the best care. Of the 1,003 Americans who were surveyed, 96% say it's important for consumers to be able to access their own electronic medical records in order to manage their health. And 65% would like to access all of their own medical information across an electronic network.
Large majorities said electronic access to personal and electronic medical records could improve accuracy, lower medication errors, and reduce duplicate tests and procedures. At the same time, large numbers expressed concern about privacy and misuse of electronic data. For example, 80% of respondents said they are very concerned about identity theft or fraud.
But a different survey released Nov. 30 by the PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute appeared to contradict that finding. Twenty-four percent of the 1,000 Americans surveyed said they don't yet believe that having an electronic health record will improve the quality of health care and 42% are uncertain. The survey also found that only 34% thought electronic records would improve the quality of care they receive.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/12/25/bibf1225.htm.
