tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414555827842946729.post168312440664939008..comments2009-03-17T14:06:15.568-04:00Healthcare Technology Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16546158824445218173noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-414555827842946729.post-32745030100150532742009-03-17T14:06:00.000-04:002009-03-17T14:06:00.000-04:00We are in the process of implementing an EHR at our hospital and it is a huge deal with many involved - not only IT. I won't only be about finding qualified people to develop an EHR for a hospital, but getting those people to work as a well coordinated team, and that takes solid management. <BR/><BR/>Reducing costs? Well, even if strong teams with strong management are assembled, it will take some time to see a reduction in costs because of the implementation of an EHR system. A hospital will have to spend resources on more equipment and especially training. Also, based on my experience within healthcare and IT audit, IT staffs will have to have a more solid understanding of and committment to IT security controls. That means expending resources on internal IT auditors. Although hospitals may have their IT controls audited from time to time, they are not as concerned with the results as they should be. So, the resources that go into an EHR system go well beyond the system itself. <BR/><BR/>Lastly, to improve outcomes - Yes, a well implemented EHR system can help. However, the thing that will help most is standardization. The processes of hospitals throughout the US needs more standardization - much like the airlines. And, I may get attacked by many for this but...regulation works. Outcomes have been improving because of tighter regulations and a system of measurement and reporting. CMS is one of the leaders of improving outcomes. Their Value Based Purchasing programs have done much to change systems. It is always contentious and painful, but once accepted, the results are evident.<BR/><BR/>All that said, my answer is no, a stimulus package alone cannot improve outcomes, reduce costs, or be responsible for an EHR. Their are many more variables involved.<BR/><BR/>Gennady Beyzarov<BR/>Healthcare Data Analyst<BR/>gbira1@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com