Survey shows most EHR patients report the technology improves care quality

Survey shows most EHR patients report the technology improves care quality October 24, 2017

Independent physicians recognize the benefits of technology in their practice, particularly of using electronic health records (EHRs) to manage their patients’ healthcare information. What do patients think of this new technology? A recent survey conducted for the Physicians Foundation asked 1,747 patients that very question.

Participants in the survey were patients who were “between the ages of 27 and 75 and have seen the same doctor at least twice in the past 12 months.” When asked how satisfied they were overall with their primary care physician, 64% of those surveyed said they were “very satisfied” and 31% indicated they were “somewhat satisfied.”

Regarding their physician’s use of electronic records and other technology, 77% of the patients surveyed indicated they did have access to their own EHR. That number has increased from 66% in 2016. When asked if they thought the EHRs would improve the quality of healthcare overall, 74% said yes, an increase from 67% in 2016. Patients were then asked if they felt their physician’s use of EHRs would improve the quality of their own healthcare, and 73% said yes. That number was also an increase, from 65% in 2016.

Survey participants were also asked if they agreed with the statement: “Technological advances in healthcare will greatly improve the quality of care patients receive.” 85% of the respondents indicated that they either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with that statement. Many participants also responded that they would like for their primary care physician to listen to them more and spend less time focused on their computer screen during a patient visit.

Elation’s EHR solution enables independent physicians to do just that, to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork or even screen time during the visit. Patients want higher quality healthcare and a more effective relationship with their primary care physician. Elation Health helps make that happen, improving outcomes for patient and physician.