In previous posts we’ve talked about the personal health record and applications like Google Health. We want to take the time in this week’s post to highlight a special article in the April 16th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine which gives an update on the current state of the electronic health record (EHR).

The authors of the article, “Use of Electronic Health Records in U.S. Hospitals”, studied the prevalence of the adoption of the EHR in U.S. hospitals. Their conclusion? Only 1.5% of hospitals surveyed had a system-wide EHR in place. Another 7.5% had adopted an EHR which was implemented in some but not all clinical units. Additionally, computerized, provider-order entry for medications has been implemented in only 17% of hospitals. Also, the authors note that large hospitals, those in urban areas, and teaching hospitals were more likely to have an EHR in place.

If you’re interested in reading more, including conclusions the authors draw from the data, and their recommendations about government policy regarding EHRs, then you’re in luck – the NEJM has made this important article available here on the journal’s website.