July 20, 2011
Essential-EMR: A Primer on how Canadian Primary Care Physicians are using Electronic Medical
Records in their Practices
New research provides a comprehensive view of how primary care physicians are
using EMR in their practices, from using the most basic functions to using functions to enhance patient
care.
In addition to recording patient notes, the majority of physicians are also using EMR functions to
manage chronic diseases, optimize preventive care and collaborate with other physicians and allied
healthcare professionals.
Essential-EMR studies the EMR usage habits of 4 segments of EMR users: Occasional, Non-Expert,
Expert and Super Users. The Expert and Super Users have almost fully integrated EMR into their
practices.
"All physicians appear to use all functionality of the EMR. However, Expert and Super Users
use the EMR functions more frequently and more consistently to enhance patient care and achieve
clinical goals", stated the researchers.
"As experience with EMR increases, physicians become more
reliant on their EMR for resources such as patient education materials, clinical practice guidelines, and
drug databases. The convenience of having different sources of information integrated within their EMR
system cannot be overstated. For example, about one-third of physicians are using the EMR exclusively
for patient information and materials. We expect this trend to rise as more and more physicians begin
to use the EMR exclusively for all kinds of information. This has implications for organizations who
currently distribute information to physicians through sources outside the EMR environment."
The study also identifies key areas of improvement within the EMR which would help physicians
improve health outcomes, facilitate collaborative efforts and increase practice efficiencies. There are
opportunities for healthcare companies wishing to provide value to physicians within the EMR practice
environment.
About Essential Research
Essential Research Inc. is a market research company with the most comprehensive knowledge base of
Canadian physicians and their Internet preferences and behaviour. Essential Research helps
pharmaceutical and healthcare companies identify and evaluate business opportunities across
eMarketing channels. www.essentialresearch.ca
For more information, please contact:
Don Lajoie Lily Holmyard
Essential Research Inc. Essential Research Inc.
519-835-0645 416-219-8798
donl@essentialresearch.ca lilyh@essentialresearch.ca
