Continuity of Information: Will EMRs Remedy Discontinuity of Care?

EHRs can be great, but improving continuity of care is certainly not something they help with. EHRs are by their very design incapable of sharing information from one clinic to another. While they may be capable of sharing information via the "HL-7" protocol, this is a barebones protocol with multiple different versions which has a hard time simply sharing laboratory data. The hundreds of different EHRs which the government has approved all use different databases, and even slight upgrades involve a new database structure. Because of this, the basic, raw data is incompatible between different EHRs and often even within the same EHR at different clinics. The only case where an EHR can improve continuity of care is when the care all occurs within a single, vertically integrated system, like a university system. Of course, in this case, the entire organization is simply using the same server farm.

Bryan in Illinois of IL 9:30AM May 05, 2012

EMR's have proven their worth when used inside a healthsystem. The ability to share information (test results, allergies, medications, vitals) has improved the patient expereince and care within the facilities. What we are faced with now is the ability to share outside. We live in an inter-connected world, and having information flow from the patient to the provider, from provider to provider, and then back to the patient is what will tip the scales to reduce cost (eliminate redunancy), and improve care. The question is incentive. Alturism and the goal of better care apparently does not cut it. Hosptials installed systems to save time and money -- they got it. Physicians are faster on paper; sharing that information does not work, and there needs to be an incentive to do that. HiTECH is the start. I would suggest the largest incentive to get the process right lies with you and I... the patient. My own experience has proven that by demanding that entities share information improves the outcomes and reduces overall costs; and improves the experience. I think the greatest challenge is to get the patients involved in their care -- when we can incent that correctly; we'll see change for the better.

Mark of CO 6:58PM May 04, 2012