title: e-Prescribing, efficiency, quality: lessons from the computerization of UK family practice.
abstract: Nearly all general practice physicians (GPs) in the United Kingdom (UK) have electronic health record (EHR) systems in their practices compared with perhaps 15% of primary care physicians in the United States (U.S.). Based on interviews of 13 general GPs and review of current literature, the authors argue that the historical experience of widespread electronic health record uptake in the UK provides insight into features that might motivate broad adoption in the United States. These features include electronic prescribing, improved quality and consistency of care, practice efficiencies that have both timesaving and revenue generating effects, and potential shielding from malpractice claims.
authors.affiliation: West Virginia Medical Institute, Charleston, WV 25304, USA. cschade@wvmi.org
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Schade
authors.forename: Frank M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Lusignan
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Madeley
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D050316:Medical Order Entry Systems; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States