Using Challenges Associated Meaningful-Use Criteria to Prioritize Needed Changes in Electronic Health Records

Abstract

To date, more than 30 billion dollars has been spent on the meaningful use (MU) program. While high adoption has been realized, there has been little improvement in usability of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), prompting continuous discussion. Further, very little scientific data has been provided regarding the type of challenges present for physicians when using an EHR. This study evaluates and prioritizes 6 of the most common challenges associated with EHR use by physicians during a patient encounter using meaningful use criteria as a basis. Data represents 430 physicians from across the US. Findings show all EHRs have significant challenges with organization and structure of information and the amount or method of documenting information. Analysis of the 31 MU criteria show only 1 criterion did not have any significant challenges. Alternately, 75% of criteria had 3 or more significant challenges with 9 criteria being significantly impacted by all reported challenges. Finally, individual groupings of physicians were found to have more challenges than others when considering physician’s age, computer comfort level, and the organizational type. Overall, findings show significant challenges exist for physicians when using EHRs, especially related to routine/basic patient care MU criteria. Specifically, challenges exist regarding how information is organized and the amount and/or method of EHR documentation, which must be a priority for improvement. If healthcare is to move forward and progress, EHRs must effectively support physicians in their work.