Computer Based EHR Systems

Background : Since the implementation of the HITECH act, Electronic Health Records are becoming more and more commonplace. There are two main types of EHR systems which include an older, server-based system, with information stored on a physical server stored in the office, and a cloud-based system where the information is stored by the EHR company. Methods : A ten question survey was sent out to the Michigan Optometric Association email listing. The first five questions had to do with the population of optometrists taking the survey. The next five questions were focused on their satisfaction with EHR systems, what they value in a system, and whether they value the features that are common in either cloud-based systems. Results : There were 135 Michigan optometrists who took the survey. The survey showed the most important factor in choosing an EHR system is ease and efficiency. Those using a cloud-based system have a better attitude toward cloud-based gathering than those who use a server-based system. Most optometrists believe that EHR systems should be connected to their medical health records. The two most important fears for the optometrists taking this survey are having a system malfunction and having a security breach. Conclusions : Overall, cloud-based EHR users seem to have favorable opinions of many features of their systems. The cloud-based EHR companies must understand that some of the most important factors when making an EHR system would be to make the system secure, efficient, and reliable. The optometric community seems united that medical health records should be included in EHR systems so that optometrists may be able to see their other diagnoses.