I have been asked recently if I would recommend a particular EHR for small 2 or 3 physician practices. Most doc’s realize it is a matter of time before they will have to make the switch, but they hesitate because of the logistical and financial difficulties of EHR implementation. Given the changes occurring in the industry and the development in open-source health records I would be very tempted to wait a while. As I’ve stated here before, I appreciate the advantages an EHR provides, but I’m not sure the benefits yet outweigh the liabilities.
The recent work of WorldVistA is just one example of why it may be wise to wait things out for a while. To quote from its home page:
WorldVistA was formed to extend and collaboratively improve the VistA electronic health record and health information system for use outside of its original setting. The system was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for use in its veterans hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. WorldVistA has a number of development efforts aimed at adding new software modules such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and other functions not used in the veterans’ healthcare setting.
WorldVistA seeks to help those who choose to adopt the VistA system to successfully master, install, and maintain the software for their own use. WorldVistA will strive to guide VistA adopters and programmers towards developing a community based on principles of open, collaborative, peer review software development and dissemination.
My sense is that the private practitioner in a small office should be patient and follow the industry for a while. Collaborative efforts such as WorldVistA may provide the affordable and industry leading EHR solution we are all hoping for.
Technorati tags: ehr, ehr implementation, worldvista, health care, open source
June 25, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I would have to say that under a traditional implementation model you are absolutely correct.
However in a utility model the EHR can adapt to meet the new requirements and physicians don’t have to pay up front for the software allowing them to change if necessary.
July 4, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Thanks Steve. It will be interesting to watch the development of the EHR industry. The utility models you speak of may very well offer the speed, affordability, and flexibility that physicians are looking for.