Abstract
16043 Background: Current data indicate that America’s medical system has been slow to embrace technology in relation to the use of the electronic medical record (EMR). The disruption caused by hurricane Katrina in the lives of cancer patients living in the city of New Orleans may prove to be an eye-opening experience that will persuade healthcare providers to change the traditional way of storing medical records. This study focuses on the experience of displaced New Orleans cancer patients. Methods: An anonymous validated questionnaire was completed by a random group of returning patients six weeks after the hurricane. This random group of patients evacuated to various states across the country. The focal questions asked were: the degree of difficulty in obtaining records, whether the alternate oncologist had to order further test(s), and whether the patients agree to having their medical records in an electronic format. Results: Of the total of 75 respondents, 93% are served by an institution in the New Orleans area that utilizes EMR while 7% are served by various institutions within the New Orleans area that do not have EMR. Overall, 81% stated ease in obtaining their records (within 1–4 days) while 19% stated difficulty (7 days or greater). Only 3% of the patients with EMR indicated difficulty while 100% of the non-EMR patients stated difficulty. For patients with EMR, 83% of the alternate oncologists did not order further tests, while 100% of the alternate oncologists ordered further testing for patients without EMR. In terms of patients’ sentiments regarding EMR, 76% agree to have EMR while 24% disagree. Conclusions: EMR in the oncology setting may prove to be an essential component in the delivery of quality patient care in terms of safety, cost effectiveness, and preservation of privacy. The majority of the patients surveyed agree to a form of electronic record-keeping based on their first-hand experience. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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