SNOMED CT survey: an assessment of implementation in EMR/EHR applications

A descriptive study of health information technology (HIT) vendors was conducted to identify which EMR/EHR vendors currently work or anticipate working with SNOMED CT, determine the prevalence of SNOMED CT integration in electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) products, identify the available and potential future applications for SNOMED CT in EMR/EHR systems, and learn what prompts vendors to include SNOMED CT in EMR/EHR systems. The Web-based survey consisting of 25 questions was fielded in November-December 2006. Seventy-two responses were received. The results from this survey on SNOMED CT show a mixed message from respondents with regard to the prevalence of SNOMED CT integration in EMR/EHR products. Those with plans for implementation cited strategic reasons most often. However, HIT vendors who have not yet obtained a SNOMED CT license are waiting for market forces to drive deployment in their systems. Finally, survey respondents currently working with SNOMED CT indicated an expected increase over the next three years in EMR/EHR applications where SNOMED CT will be implemented.