Costs and benefits of health information technology: new trends from the literature.
To understand what is new in health information technology (IT), we updated a systematic review of health IT with studies published during 2004-2007. From 4,683 titles, 179 met inclusion criteria. We identified a proliferation of patient-focused applications although little formal evaluation in this area; more descriptions of commercial electronic health records (EHRs) and health IT systems designed to run independently from EHRs; and proportionately fewer relevant studies from the health IT leaders. Accelerating the adoption of health IT will require greater public-private partnerships, new policies to address the misalignment of financial incentives, and a more robust evidence base regarding IT implementation.
Goldzweig
Caroline Lubick
CL
Veterans Affairs (VA) Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in California, USA. caroline.goldzweig@va.gov
Towfigh
Ali
A
Maglione
Margaret
M
Shekelle
Paul G
PG
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D007256:Information Systems / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000191:economics; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics; D013672:Technology / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards