JPS landed in the 93rd percentile among healthcare networks in a survey of physician satisfaction with electronic medical records, with a majority agreeing that electronic medical recordkeeping promotes quality care.
Compared with survey results from more than 7,700 physicians at 25 institutions across the country, doctors at JPS were more likely than most to agree with the statement, “EMR enables quality care.” When all clinicians were asked if they felt their work was fulfilling, those at JPS overwhelming indicated yes, giving JPS the highest score among all 25.
The survey was created by The Arch Collaborative, an initiative intended to give physicians a voice in the evolving design of electronic medical records systems. Arch Collaborative members include 48 hospitals and healthcare networks, which survey their providers and incorporate the results into EMR customization. The federal government mandates the use of EMR, but not the details; health network IT departments customize EMR systems to meet the operational needs of their institutions. Without physician input, those systems can become burdensome for doctors.
"The survey results show that JPS has leveraged the EMR to support our clinicians’ needs in a manner that rises to a national standard of excellence." — Tim Niacaris, MD, PhD
A new study published in the journal Family Medicine found primary care physicians across Texas spending more time working in electronic health records than in face-to-face time with their patients. That study, led by Richard Young, MD, associate program director of the JPS Family Medicine Residency, observed 982 patient visits at clinics affiliated with 10 residency programs in Texas.
The Arch Collaborative survey suggests JPS is doing better than most, said Tim Niacaris, M.D., PhD, chair of the JPS medical staff’s Medical Records Committee. “Our EMR team places a priority on clinician engagement in design and enhancement decisions, as well as support for our Epic implementation. As a result, our EMR at JPS reflects the needs of our clinical teams.
“The recent survey results show that JPS has leveraged the EMR to support our clinicians’ needs in a manner that rises to a national standard of excellence,” Niacaris said. “While we are proud of these results, we look forward to continual improvement of our EMR in a manner that best supports our clinicians and out patients.”