EHR security still an issue for patients, study finds

Patients are still worried about how secure their data will be when stored in an EHR system, a new study suggests. Xerox Corporation found that of 2,720 poll respondents:

• 80% were concerned with stolen personal information
• 64% were concerned with lost, damaged or corrupted files
• 62% were concerned with the misuse of information

If patients are to realize the benefits of using EHRs, doctor-patient communication needs to be tackled, said Paul Solverson, a partner at Xerox-owned ACS.  Only 18% of the respondents had discussed EHRs with a healthcare provider, the survey indicated. That number suggests that too few physicians have worked to woo their patients with the benefits EHRs can offer. (Maybe doctors don't know to explain EHR bennies to non-clinicians?)

Fortunately, patients are beginning to appreciate EHRs on their own. ACS found that 51% of survey respondents who are familiar with EHR conversion believe EHRs will result in more efficient care.

Now, it's time to keep the ball rolling. Clearly, it's time for physicians to educate patients as to how the EHR will improve their experience, and ultimately their health.  Unless doctors explain, few patients will understand that EHRs will help doctors offer more face time.

If left in the dark, patients will continue to fear the unknown--when they could be embracing one of the best tools available to improve the quality of their care. 

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