It was my intention to write an observation today on something remarkable which I already mentioned a couple of months ago:
“do these studies really have any value at all, looking at the numbers involved?“.
The reason why I come back to this is because of a publication in Health Data Management, published 1 June, by Howard Anderson, “Survey Shows Americans Want EHRS“. This survey was mentioned earlier, during the week of the Health2.0 conference. It amazed me then, but now even more, when a journal like HDM refers to it. Why I mention it? It was a “telephone survey of 1,238 randomly selected respondents“. Have we gone so far as to call a survey of 1,238 persons on a total population of 306m representative in any way? And draw conclusions from it, just because it seems to favour those who want to get the EHR move going, as respectable as their goal may be?
Having said that, another survey was published today, with as many participants, but on a population of 16m. The report concerns the mood about EHRs in The Netherlands and is in Dutch, so here are the conclusions:
- The large majority (94%) does not object to exchange of medical data via an EHR. Those (6%) who decided to opt-out are concerned about their privacy and the system’s security. Amazingly, from those 6%, 55% still see advantages and 53% see possible improvements due to an EHR.
- From the survey results it became clear that their is little knowledge about the subject. One third was not aware that opting-out is always possible and 40% are convinced they will not have access to their own record.
- This lack of knowledge is responsible for the negative attitude against EHRs. This attitude can be improved by enhancing the information. Almost half of the interviewed said they would much appreciate more information.
- The questionnaire gave stepwise more information on EHRs; 15% became more positive after ending the survey, which shows the influence of proper information.
- One third are convinced that en EHR will improve care. 50% consider it possible.
Evaluatie Elektronisch Patiëntendossier (EPD), NPCF, 25 May 2009
Well, this confirms my statement November last year:
Apparently, the ministry failed to make the most important step in the introduction of a Dutch EHR, the supply of information to the people about benefits and possible draw backs and about the various procedures (access, consent, opt-out) involved in order to raise awareness and appreciation of these new developments.
Dutch EHR – Chaos behind the dikes, Lodewijk Bos, 4 November 2008.
I hate to say I told you so, but what else is left?
Lodewijk Bos
Re: “Survey Shows Americans Want EHRS”, do Americans really understand EHR’s?
The Washington Post expose of the EHR Lobby’s activities (”The Machinery Behind Healthcare Reform: How an Industry Lobby Scored a Swift, Unexpected Victory by Channeling Billions to Electronic Records”) would suggest the American public and the government as well has been fed a diet of unadulterated but unsubstantiated praise about this technology.
This does not surprise me at all. Even in NL rumours go about timing and financing.
The lack of proper information on EHRs is shocking and my impression is, that it is a problem in almost any country.
That apart, taking the US survey serious when performed on such an immensely small number of people is just ridiculous.