Engaging physicians to adopt healthcare information technology

Healthcare information technology (HIT) is one of the most expensive capital investments for any healthcare organization. HIT comprises systems such as the electronic medical record, computerized physician-order entry, and decision support systems that integrate and improve access to health- and patient-related data. This column: 1. summarizes the case for HIT adoption and the issues that give physicians pause about HIT, 2. provides a real-world example of a successful HIT journey, and 3. presents strategies for HIT implementation. In addition, the authors discuss the role of HIT in the patient-centered medical home model. Both clinical and economic arguments support the adoption of HIT. The success of HIT adoption and implementation are as much a matter of organizational culture as engineering design. Healthcare organizations that welcome innovation, rather than view it as a threat, can reap gains in quality, safety, and coordination of care.