With 2011 behind us, it is time to begin thinking about 2012. What can we expect in the next 12 months? Will EMR adoption accelerate? What are the new technologies that will be adopted by clinicians?
Here are my predictions for 2012:
- EMR adoption will continue to increase, particularly with the announcement of an EMR funding program in Quebec, which has not had a formal EMR adoption program. However, due to deficiencies in universal core fundamental requirements such as the ability to send e-Prescriptions or e-Referrals, it will remain difficult to encourage adoption by the large middle and late majority who are waiting for a greater value proposition before implementing an EMR.
- Certain provinces will come close to reaching a critical mass of users (Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Saskatchewan), but will not yet reach a tipping point at which it will make sense for widespread adoption.
- Growth in EMR adoption in the United States will significantly outstrip Canada due to a clear national EMR strategy, state level health information exchanges, and the Meaningful Use incentive program.
- Tablets will become more prevalent in hospitals and will begin to be more actively used for administrative purposes such as patient registration in medical practices.
- The number and variety of mobile health Apps will increase significantly as the transition to smart phones accelerates. Expect to see mobile Apps that are extensions of EMRs as well as standalone personal health records.
- Data stewardship and privacy concerns increase as more data becomes accessible for analysis and research through collaborative programs linked to EMRs.
What are your predictions for 2012? Add your thoughts below.
The key will be the integration of the various predictions. An EMR that integrates with the relevant home and MHealth solutions to provide a real healthcare solution and not just a documentation system.
Posted by: Georgemargelis | January 01, 2012 at 11:34 PM