One More Reason to Use Medisoft - Patients Report More Satisfaction with Doctors Who Use EMRs

Just in case you need one more reason to switch from paper records to electronic patient records, there’s this study published last year by Aeffect and +88 Brand Partners, a Chicago advertising agency. The survey asked 1,000 US adults about their experiences with EMRs, including those who have accessed their own or a family member’s electronic patient records and those who visit doctors who use EMRs like Medisoft. The results are something every physician should consider when making a decision about their own adoption of an EMR like McKesson Medisoft Clinical.

75% Of Respondents Use or Want to Use EMRs

According to the survey, one in four Americans currently use EMRs and another 52% would like to use an EMR but don’t for a variety of reasons. The uses for electronic patient records include checking lab results, ordering prescription refills and making appointments. In all, three in every four of your patients would use an EMR patient portal if you provided it for them.

Patients Who Have Used EMRs Are More Satisfied with Their Doctors

The news is even better than that. According to the survey, 82 percent of the patients who have used an EMR say they get better quality care from their medical provider, and that they get clearer communications than other patients who don’t use electronic patient records. Patients who see their doctors using electronic patient records are more satisfied with their doctors than those whose doctors don’t use EMRs like Medisoft (78% satisfied vs. 68%). That may be in part because early adopters are more committed to better communications with patients, but it’s also likely that the use of an EMR aids communications and makes it easier to provide access to important information in a timelier manner.

Many providers are hesitant to implement electronic patient records for various reasons, including the cost and the time to transition from paper records, but the study suggests that there are some excellent reasons for making the leap. Tamara O’Shaugnessy, the vice president of Aeffect, notes that adopting an EMR is likely to yield benefits beyond higher efficiency and more accurate reporting. The study suggests, in fact, that adopting electronic patient records, such as the EMR that’s part of Medisoft Clinical, will enhance patient loyalty and satisfaction.

A Few Other Notes from the Study

Who Uses EMRs: The study suggests that the heaviest users of EMR technology are adult caregivers of adult family members. EMR use is higher in the Western U.S., with up to 34% of residents in western states having at least tried an EMR.

Why Patients Like Electronic Patient Records: 40% say they like having access to their records, 18% feel electronic patient records are more accurate, and 17% appreciate the information sharing and coordination of care made possibly by EMRs. Furthermore, 72% of patients believe that electronic patient records are as secure as or more secure than paper records, and 40 percent believe that tye are more accurate than paper charts.

If you’re still on the fence about adopting an EMR, contact a Medisoft certified vendor to learn about the other benefits provided by electronic patient records.