Black Book Poll: Providers Demand Usability In EHR Replacement

“EHR backlash” is more than a popular hashtag on Twitter, and EHR usability still has a long, long way to go, according to a new poll of nearly 2900 providers conducted by Black Book Market Research.  Frustrations with “clunky” and “difficult to use” EHR systems are on the rise, with 92% of practices complaining about the way their EHRs function.  Those providers who are seeking to replace their EHRs feel that their current products stifle productivity, are slow to integrate new technological advancements, and silo critical information, which puts patient care at risk.

The survey found that 74% of physicians use an EHR on a regular basis, either in an office setting or a hospital, but 66% of them do so unwillingly.  Despite assertions that EHRs will improve patient care and foster better coordination, only 2% of EHR adopters believe that they are using their systems to the fullest capacity, and 92% of hospital-based physicians complain about not being able to share patient charts or access data, particularly from clinics and the emergency department.