As we know, thousands of physician practices are opting to dump ineffective EHR systems. Nearly one in five physician users indicated the high likelihood of shifting systems after disappointing first vendor results. And it looks like several new EHR mobile apps are being talked about in physician circles.
“A mandate has been issued and progressive vendors are reacting,” reports Doug Brown, Managing Partner of Black Book Research. “A full 100% of practices participating in the follow up poll expect EHR systems that allow access to patient data wherever physicians are providing or reviewing care.” And, as Healthcare Technology Online found out, docs like to be mobile.
READ THE COMPLETE BLACK BOOK RANKING PRESS RELEASE HERE
Check out some convincing stats on which professions are going mobile, and which devices are most popular. Primary Care and Internal Medicine physicians indicated a strong preference for mobile devices with EHR usability. Here is the anticipated use by profession:
* 100% Hospitalists
* 98% Primary Care/General & Family Practice
* 97% Internal Medicine
* 92% Office-Based Physicians
* 88% Rheumatology
* 87% Nephrology
* Surgeons, particularly the specialties of orthopedics, ophthalmology, and ENT had lowest interest in mobile and iPad devices, currently at less than 14% on average.
Here are the most popular mobile devices currently used by Black Book surveyed physicians and practices:
* 68% iPhones
* 59% iPads and Tablets
* 31% Smart/Android Phones/Other
We’re super excited about our launch of Atlas.md, which we’ve been mentioning is cross-platform compatible. That means you can get the same functionality and usability on ANY device. We’re not sure every vendor can make that promise, or live up to it at least. Whether you’re on board with direct care, transitioning, or just staying up to date with what’s going on in our world, you’ll be seeing more EHR application options on your tablets and smartphones. Looks like 122 vendors responded to Black Book survey and said they will introduce fully functional mobile access and/or iPad native versions of their EHR products by the end of 2013. There are another 135 EHR product vendors claiming to have mobile applications “on their near strategic horizons.”
Be careful, though, docs. If a vendor is offering you a native app, it can mean you’re getting a separate experience. If you are to go down this route, make sure you are hard on any and all sales people and demand the technology you’re investing in lets you switch from device to device _efficiently_. Other companies and industries are living up to the promise. We’re a consumer-driven culture, and smart shoppers are part of the equation. Don’t give your money to companies who aren’t offering an EHR that actually works, and works well in the world we are all inhabiting… one constantly shifting and always connected.
Here’s a description of the current EHR/digital landscape: According to HTO, “Currently, 8% of office-based physicians use either a mobile device for electronic prescribing, accessing records, ordering tests or viewing results. However, 83% indicated they would immediately utilize mobile EHR functionalities to update patient charts, check labs and order medications immediately if available to them via their current EHR.”
We’re hoping direct care sees that number approach 99%. We couldn’t have done the work we’ve done, and made the difference we have without our own web-based EMR. There’s no reason direct care can’t set the EHR bar high for family doctors, and beyond.