From the front line, report from a near paperless hospital: mixed reception among health care professionals

Authors: 
Lium, J. T., Laerum, H., Schulz, T., Faxvaag, A.
Journal: 
J Am Med Inform Assoc
Publication Date: 
2006 Nov-Dec
Volume: 
13
Issue: 
6
Pages: 
668-75
  • HIT Description: EHR More info...
  • Purpose of Study: assess effects on use and efficiency of continued use of an EHR
  • Years of study: 2002-2005
  • Study Design: time series
  • Outcomes: use and efficiency
Summary:
  • Settings: community hospital serving a population of about 100,000 people in southern Norway
  • Intervention: EHR and hospital administrative system that is nearly completely paperless (DIPS 2000)
  • Evaluation Method: comparison of responses to a survey done in 2002, shortly after implementation, with 2005, after about 4 years of experience
  • Description: DIPS 2000, described as an EHR with hospital administrative functions
  • Changes in efficiency and productivity: Nurses reported that the performane of 14 (of 19) tasks had become more effective over time with use of the EHR. Compared with 2002, there was a significant increase in the useof the EHR for 11 of 19 tasks relevant to physicians, such as check and sign discharge summaries (which was at 100% in 2005), obtain results of new tests, ordering tests, etc. Nurses also reported increased use in 13 of 19 tasks relevant to them, including obtaining of results of investigations, reviewing the patient's problem, and collecting data for the nurses' summarizing report.
  • Time needed to accrue benefit: This time period was 3+ years after initial implementation