Safety risks seen in computerized medical records
WASHINGTON — Government advisers are warning that the nation's transition to computerized medical records could create unforeseen patient safety problems.
Concerns have emerged about unintended harm from the use of health information technology, says a report by a panel from the influential Institute of Medicine. Problems ranging from computer crashes to quirky systems could add new challenges to the already complex environment in which clinicians make real-time decisions about patients.
The advisers urged creation of an independent agency to investigate safety problems linked to computerized medical records, including injuries and deaths.
The Obama administration wants most hospitals and doctors to convert to electronic records instead of paper by 2015. Potential safety gains have been one of the big selling points. That shouldn't be taken for granted, says the report.