Electronic Medical Record Use and Satisfaction Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons

• Published in: Journal of pediatric orthopaedics Vol. 39; no. 9; p. e722
• Main Authors: Copley, Lawson A, Sharps, Chester H, Gerardi, Joseph A, Gupta, Sumit K, Vanderhaave, Kelly L, Lovejoy, 3rd, John F, Lubicky, John P, Albanese, Stephen A, Jo, Chanhee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Consumer Behavior; Electronic Health Records - legislation & jurisprudence; Electronic Health Records - standards; Electronic Health Records - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Meaningful Use - legislation & jurisprudence; Orthopedics - statistics & numerical data; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Pediatrics - statistics & numerical data; Software - standards; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Workflow; United States
• DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000001044

Electronic medical record (EMR) use among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons has evolved substantially within the past decade. In response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, large hospitals and tertiary pediatric medical centers rapidly acquired and implemented EMRs with uncertainty as to the potential impact on patient care and operational efficiency of subspecialists. This study reviews the background and regulatory framework for Meaningful Use of EMR and assesses the current landscape of EMR utilization by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. In 2015, the Practice Management Committee distributed a survey regarding EMR use and satisfaction to members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Survey responses from 324 members were used to analyze levels of satisfaction by EMR platform and practice type and to consider drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction of end users. Although there were no differences in overall satisfaction based on vendor or practice type, significant differences were noted for 5 specific parameters of satisfaction, including: usefulness of templates, efficiency of practice workflow, information services support, number of logon events, and speed of the system. A user/vendor map is provided to facilitate networking among providers and groups utilizing common EMR platforms to help bring about rational improvements in EMR functionality for the future. Substantial effort needs to be made to improve subspecialty-specific EMR documentation, order entry, research tools, and clinical workflows to enhance the processes of care for children with orthopaedic conditions in the era of EMR. Level IV.