There has been a steady increase in electronic health record (EHR) software adoption by physicians and hospitals. The value-add is tremendous, and with the government incentives now in place, this growth is a no-brainer. However, some major issues still remain.

“I noticed [the specialist] was using an electronic health record (EHR) on a desktop computer in the examination room,” says Marty Briggs, Creative Director of Marketing for HealthFusion. “Throughout the entire visit the specialist stared at the computer screen, not even glancing up when I inquired about my ailment.”

There is a lack of mobility with current EHR systems that puts a barrier up between patient and physician. Digitizing patients’ health records is highly beneficial, but not at the cost of jeopardizing the doctor-patient relationship.

Briggs has a suggested solution: moving EHR’s to the iPad. The uncumbersome nature of the iPad addresses the key issue of mobility when it comes to EHR systems. Doctors can update a patient’s chart with important information during the exam without compromising the doctor-patient bond. Briggs points out the 5 attributes of the iPad that put it a step above its predecessors.

- portability

- connectivity

- extended battery life

- rear-facing camera

- ability to draw

How would further development of iPad EHR systems impact the adoption of EHR's as a whole? Multiple studies have been conducted on approval of EHR technology. Most report anywhere from 60% to 80% of users are unhappy with the systems, citing lack of speed, accessibility and difficulty of use as key reasons for disappointment. Similar studies have been done, asking physicians how likely they are to use a mobile tablet EHR program. In one study conducted by QuantiaMD, the majority of respondents said that they were either extremely likely or somewhat likely to adopt a mobile EHR system in their practice.

This is great news for developers of EHR systems, if they choose to keep up. While many EHR vendors offer mobile access, the software has not been designed specifically for the iPad. This results in slower speeds and a not-so-friendly UI. The stage is set for developers to capitalize on this interest and begin developing EHR systems that are native to the iPad. When these begin to emerge on the scene, we will be able to see the true value of EHR's in the medical field.

This article is a summary of an article written by Marty Briggs for Software Advice. Read the full post here.