Use of Electronic Health Records in U.S. Hospitals

This national survey showed that less than 2% of U.S. hospitals have a comprehensive system of electronic health records across all clinical units. No more than 12% of U.S. hospitals have even a basic electronic-records system in at least one clinical unit. Computerized provider-order entry has been implemented in 16% of hospitals. The primary barriers to the adoption of electronic health records were reported to be the initial capital required and the high cost of maintenance. This national survey showed that less than 2% of U.S. hospitals have a comprehensive system of electronic health records across all clinical units. No more than 12% of U.S. hospitals have even a basic electronic-records system in at least one clinical unit. The U.S. health care system faces challenges on multiple fronts, including rising costs and inconsistent quality. 1 – 3 Health information technology, especially electronic health records, has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care providers. 4 , 5 Methods to speed the adoption of health information technology have received bipartisan support among U.S. policymakers, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has made the promotion of a national, interoperable health information system a priority. Despite broad consensus on the potential benefits of electronic health records and other forms of health information technology, U.S. health care providers have been . . .