Electronic Medical Record Implementation In Optometry.

Background: Medical records have played an integral part of the health care community and have been crucial in establishing adequate and quality patient care. The use of paper medical records has dominated health care until recently. Electronic health records (EHRs) or electronic medical records (EMRs) are being used more frequently by health care providers. This mode of health information storage is becoming more prevalent in all areas of healthcare including optometry. Electronic medical records have a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Methods: We conducted an anonymous survey with practicing optometrists in the state of Michigan who are current members of the Michigan Optometric Association. The survey concentrated on two main categories: optometrists who are currently using EHRs, and optometrists who have not implemented EHRs. For the first group, we addressed challenges doctors faced with establishing EHRs. For the second group, we asked questions regarding why their practices have not yet implemented electronic records. Results: A majority of the optometrists surveyed (n= I 06) indicated that they have not implemented EHRs to date. Two major concerns with electronic record implementation included the cost and additional time needed to establish them. For those who have already implemented them, the major challenges included difficulty with learning a new software system and the extra time needed to become proficient with EHR use. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the concerns that exist among users of EHRs are similar to those who have not implemented them yet. Additionally it demonstrates that most optometrists who do not have them yet are planning to implement them shortly.