e-Prescribing, Efficiency, Quality: Lessons from the Computerization of UK Family Practice
- Affiliations of the authors: West Virginia Medical Institute (CPS), Charleston, WV, USA Health Informatics Centre, Division of Community Health Sciences (FMS), University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee, Scotland Primary Care Informatics, Division of Community Health Sciences (Sdl), St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, England Manor Surgery (JM), Beeston, Nottingham, England
- Correspondence and reprints: Charles P. Schade, MD, MPH, West Virginia Medical Institute, 3001 Chesterfield Place, Charleston, WV 25304; e-mail: <cschade{at}wvmi.org>
- Received 21 December 2005
- Accepted 6 June 2006
Abstract
Nearly all general practice physicians (GPs) in the United Kingdom (UK) have electronic health record (EHR) systems in their practices compared with perhaps 15% of primary care physicians in the United States (U.S.). Based on interviews of 13 general GPs and review of current literature, the authors argue that the historical experience of widespread electronic health record uptake in the UK provides insight into features that might motivate broad adoption in the United States. These features include electronic prescribing, improved quality and consistency of care, practice efficiencies that have both timesaving and revenue generating effects, and potential shielding from malpractice claims.
Footnotes
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The analyses upon which this publication is based were performed under Contract Number 500-02-PA01, funded by the Centers for Medicare ' Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication doe not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors assume full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the ideas presented. Publication number 8SOW-PA-PHYS05.293.
This investigation would not have been possible without the support and participation of NHS general practitioners (Dr. Sally Al Agilly, Dr. Stephen Earwicker, Dr. Lindsay Easton, Dr. Phil Koczan, Dr. Pippa Oakeshott, Dr. Mike O' Neill, Dr. Roger Paterson, Dr.Beena Raschkes, Dr. Bernard Reilly, Dr. RS Sandhu, Dr. John Spicer, and Dr. John Williams), and their practice managers and office staffs. The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mary Sansom for expert editorial and writing support.
