title: I have an EMR system--now what?
abstract: Equipping a clinic with an electronic medical record (EMR) system is the first step of many required to actually realize a benefit from the technology. In integrating an EMR system into a clinical practice, success markers include a system that requires minimum vendor customization, has significant growth potential, and has quality vendor support. Moreover, internal success markers include provision for adequate training; complete buy-in from the intended users; a proactive staff; a commitment to overcome inevitable obstacles; and reasonable expectations in terms of cost, time, and eventual return on investment.
authors.affiliation: Medical Informatics Laboratory, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, CLN 309, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. bergeronbryan@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Bryan P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Bergeron
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D014481:United States