The Benefits Of Health Information Technology: A Review Of The Recent Literature Shows Predominantly Positive Results
Abstract
An unprecedented federal effort is under way to boost the adoption of electronic health records and spur innovation in health care delivery. We reviewed the recent literature on health information technology to determine its effect on outcomes, including quality, efficiency, and provider satisfaction. We found that 92 percent of the recent articles on health information technology reached conclusions that were positive overall. We also found that the benefits of the technology are beginning to emerge in smaller practices and organizations, as well as in large organizations that were early adopters. However, dissatisfaction with electronic health records among some providers remains a problem and a barrier to achieving the potential of health information technology. These realities highlight the need for studies that document the challenging aspects of implementing health information technology more specifically and how these challenges might be addressed.
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In a meta-analysis of 21 randomized trials that included 5715 patients who had suffered heart failure, the cost per patient of treatment including remote monitoring was about 300-1000 euros less than the cost of more conventional treatment.
“In a meta-analysis of 21 randomized trials that included 5715 patients who had suffered heart failure, the cost per patient of treatment including remote monitoring was about 300-1000 euros less than the cost of more conventional treatment.”
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- Authors
- Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D.
- Affiliations
- United States Department of Health and Human Services (US)
- Matthew F. Burke is a policy analyst at the ONC.
- Michael C. Hoaglin is a former policy analyst at the ONC.
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (US)
- Venue
- Health Affairs
- Publisher
- Health Affairs Publishing, LLC
- Published
- 2011-03
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 464-471
- ISSN
- 0278-2715 (ISSN-L)
- 1544-5208
- OpenAlex
- W2150217040
- Cited by
- 1,311
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 45 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 59 · 2023: 62 · 2022: 65 · 2021: 92 · 2020: 86 · 2019: 114 · 2018: 107 · 2017: 104 · 2016: 119 · 2015: 115 · 2014: 113 · 2013: 94 · 2012: 62
- FWCI
- 149.61
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Health Affairs (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Electronic Health Records Systems
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Medical Coding and Health Information
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Issues, ethics and legal aspects › Nursing Diagnosis and Documentation
- Keywords
- health information technology, electronic health records, quality of care, health care efficiency, provider satisfaction, technology adoption, implementation barriers, small practices, health care delivery innovation
- MeSH terms
- Attitude to Computers, Diffusion of Innovation, Medical Informatics, Quality of Health Care, United States, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Efficiency, Organizational
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