Barriers to Implementing Efficient Use of Electronic Medical Records in Long Term Care

Abstract

Health Information Technology is a powerful tool for improving the quality of health care, including long term care. Implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) must interface with the realities of the practice’s environment, whether it is in an office or long term care setting. Despite recognizing the importance of EMR, a few studies have been conducted on providing an appropriate work station in a long term care setting. Besides cost, there are several barriers present in long term care setting that prevent electronic charting, including, physical, technical, and facility specific cultural.