In the latest report from Orem, Utah-based KLAS Research, healthcare organizations revealed that for healthcare providers, it is easier to access data and modify electronic medical records (EMRs) that have mainstream technologies in their cores.
KLAS Research looked at “117 progressive organizations” and how technology influenced them when it came to purchasing an EMR. They found that those who used an EMR from McKesson, Siemens, Cerner, or Allscripts were more likely to have been influenced by technology than those who purchased a system from Epic or Meditech.
For those vendors where mainstream technology was a strong driver in the selection, providers said they had a higher rate of accessibility, programmability, and configurability. The biggest gap, the researchers said, was the ability to extend systems.
Ultimately though, technology platforms that encircle these EMRs are not accurate predictors of capability or clinical success, the providers told researchers. Furthermore, providers made it clear to KLAS that it was vendors, not technologies, which were of upmost concern.
Nearly two-thirds said they did not see their EMR’s technology posing a risk going forward, but over half mentioned their vendor’s ability to deliver new functionality as a threat. The exceptions were Epic and Cerner, which rated highest with needed functionality embedded within.
