Mobile EHR Users Report Greater Satisfaction

When it comes to Electronic Health Record satisfaction, mobile matters.

That’s the key takeaway from a survey released this month by the web-based EHR consultancy Software Advice in collaboration with the market research company Research Now. The study asked nearly 600 respondents to rate their level of satisfaction with their electronic health records (EHR) systems, along with the key benefits and challenges they face. The respondents covered a wide range of practice sizes and specialties.

To be clear, most users — 76% – use a desktop or laptop to access their EHR systems. Only 26% used a tablet or mobile device. However, 58% of those using a mobile device said they were “very satisfied,” while only 28% of non-mobile users had the same reaction.

The reasons may have to do with the ease of using each system. For instance, 61% of mobile EHR users said learning to use their system was “not challenging.” However, 58% of non-mobile users rated their system “challenging.”

Meanwhile, 73% of mobile users said their EHR systems did not pose a challenge to their productivity, but 58% of non-mobile users said the time it takes to use their EHR system created a challenge.

Overall, slowed productivity was the second-most-reported “challenge.” Integration with other systems was the top frustration. Doctors also reported difficulties customizing their systems, and importing existing records.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, respondents said the ability to easily access records was the main benefit, followed by the increased legibility and robustness of those records. They also praised their systems’ drug interaction alerts, among other features.

All told, three-quarters of respondents were either “very satisfied” (35%) or “satisfied” (40%) with their systems. Only 10% were “very unsatisfied.

Asked if they plan to invest more in EHR systems in the future, 54% said they plan to keep their EHR investments steady in the coming years, while 28% said they would increase their spending. Only 5% planned to decrease their investments. Another 13% were unsure.