Electronic medical records really do work, says study

Monday 18th February 2008

A study published in the online medical journal BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making is the first of its kind to demonstrate the benefits of electronic medical records (EMR).

The findings result from a retrospective analysis of nearly 4,000 patient years of prospectively collected data on dialysis patients, treated over a nine-year period at The Rogosin Institute, a non-profit treatment and research institute affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College.

The report shows significant advantages achieved by using a properly organised EMR, such as improved patient care, lower mortality and cost-reduction in chronic disease.

Mortality was reduced 40%. Furthermore, use of the EMR increased staff efficiency, allowing for the reduction of staff levels by 25%.

US dialysis patient mortality has stayed at approximately 23-24% annually for many years. This compares quite unfavourably with most of the developed countries in the world. Using this EMR, mortality dropped by almost 40% (to 15% annually) and has remained low. Rogosin's results are now better than 99% of US dialysis units.

George Rovegno, CEO of MIQS, Inc, the EMR developer, said:

"For some years we have all believed that computers can provide the information tool needed to improve the quality of care, reduce costs and avoid serious errors. At last, in this landmark study, is the proof of the hypothesis.

Jonathan Lorch, MD, of The Rogosin Institute and Weill Cornell Medical College, said:

"The improved mortality rates we saw in our patients who were tracked using MIQS are striking."

The Rogosin Institute

Your comments: (Terms and conditions apply)

"As long as I don't have to have an embedded chip to get my dialysis care then I don't mind having an electronic health card. But I worry about the future and what happens if I don't want any advancement along these lines that say "be chipped or no dialysis for you". I can't help but worry about that." - Name  supplied, Canada.

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