The Hospitalist’s Role … Starting Now
Dr. Strong suggests that hospitalists need to be part of the IT solution. In fact, they already are actively involved in his facility. “It is important for hospitalists to know what HIT their facilities are using and considering for purchase,” he says.
Dr. Reines agrees that physicians need to be active in IT decisions at their hospitals. “I’m on the tech committee at my facility, as are several physicians,” he explains, adding that they have strong opinions and specific input on what they want HIT programs and systems to do, what information they need, and how they expect technology to work to enhance their efficiency and benefit their patients.
Hospitalists who work at teaching hospitals can have a role in educating students about technology. “We need to look at learning opportunities that involve technology,” says Dr. Reines. “And we should encourage people not to be afraid of technology or change.”
Why Bother?
If there are so many barriers to e-prescribing and so many contraindications to its use, why should hospitalists bother with this technology?
While there is much disagreement about the use, benefits, and drawbacks of e-prescribing, there is little doubt that government agencies, regulatory bodies, and third-party payers will continue to push for the widespread implementation of such technology in the coming years.
For example, JCAHO’s establishment of the medication reconciliation process, whereby hospitals and other healthcare providers are expected to compile and use medication lists whenever patients move to a new setting will make e-prescribing more important and practical for hospitalists.
“The need to reconcile our patients’ medications at admission, during their stay, and at discharge will spur a greater need for e-prescribing,” says Dr. Zielzinski.
Dr. Ackerman urges her colleagues to learn about e-prescribing and other systems now. However, she also encourages “the powers that be” to provide more specific guidance on HIT to help physicians and others make the best use of it.
Although he doesn’t use or have a real need for e-prescribing, “I certainly think we will be seeing more hospitalists and hospitals using these systems in the coming years,” says Dr. Newman. “The opportunity—however small—to prevent certain types of errors will make it worthwhile eventually in most settings.” TH
Writer Joanne Kaldy is based in Maryland.
References
- iHealthbeat. Survey: few docs use PDAs for e-prescribing. Sept. 8, 2005. Available at ihealthbeat.org. Last accessed Sept. 14, 2005.
- Mobile Village. Docs embrace handheld e-prescribing to save time, prevent errors. Mobile & Wireless News. Feb. 7, 2003.