Survey: Patients know little about EHRs, willing to try
Although only 16 percent of U.S. adults have been approached by their healthcare provider to discuss converting to digital records, Americans claim they are ready to embrace EHRs, according to a recent online survey conducted for Xerox.
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, took place between Feb. 17-19 among 2,180 adults age 18 and older. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. adult population. The online survey was not based on a probability sample; therefore, no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated, according to Xerox, of Norwalk, Conn.
Among the 79 percent of adults surveyed who have concerns about digital medical records, stolen records were the number one concern, followed closely by misuse of information (69 percent) and lost or damaged records (68 percent).
Respondents ranked patients as last among groups that will benefit from digital records, because they have the least to gain (26 percent).
Nearly half of all respondents believe EHRs will enable more efficient healthcare, the survey found. “A 21st century healthcare system should be powered by technology that supports the drive to put patients at the center of healthcare,” concluded the report. “Partnering with an expert to handle the technology processes involved frees up time for the providers to focus on their real business: caring for patients.”
The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, took place between Feb. 17-19 among 2,180 adults age 18 and older. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. adult population. The online survey was not based on a probability sample; therefore, no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated, according to Xerox, of Norwalk, Conn.
Among the 79 percent of adults surveyed who have concerns about digital medical records, stolen records were the number one concern, followed closely by misuse of information (69 percent) and lost or damaged records (68 percent).
Respondents ranked patients as last among groups that will benefit from digital records, because they have the least to gain (26 percent).
Nearly half of all respondents believe EHRs will enable more efficient healthcare, the survey found. “A 21st century healthcare system should be powered by technology that supports the drive to put patients at the center of healthcare,” concluded the report. “Partnering with an expert to handle the technology processes involved frees up time for the providers to focus on their real business: caring for patients.”