When it comes to the use of electronic health records, doctors and patients have many of the same priorities, according to a new survey from the Markle Foundation.
Both stakeholders say that using technology to increase the quality, availability and affordability of healthcare are top priorities, according to the survey, which was recently released by the healthcare advocacy group. Additionally, privacy ranked among the concerns of both providers and the public.
"As medical professionals shift from paper records to electronic systems, this survey shows that the public and physicians overwhelmingly agree that we need to measure the payoff from investments in information technology in terms of better health and more cost-efficient care," said Zoë Baird, president of Markle.
Physicians and patients also agreed on the principles underlying the government's electronic health records incentive program. Nearly 80 percent of both groups said that it is important for providers participating in the program to show that they are using technology according to the meaningful use rules. This will help ensure that the government is getting the greatest bang for its buck.