Bergman MJ. Data collection in private practice and implementation with electronic medical records. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2007;65(2):146-9.
Bergman MJ. Data collection in private practice and implementation with electronic medical records. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2007;65(2):146-9.
Paper review for Clinfowiki , week 7 February 23, 2008
This paper attempts to make the claim that EMR use will make data mining cost-effective in the rheumatology private practice clinics. This by in itself, is counter intuitive--yes coded electronic databases , and spreadsheet will make this much more efficient. So in my mind, this is a given.
He attempts to make his point by two means:
- Claiming that economical burden in the clinic will be lessened without giving actual cost savings data. Just several sentences which alludes to the economical importance.
- Presenting case series of patients outcomes.
The author gives examples of outcomes measures used in rheumatology of surveys and the joint exam RAPID(rheumatology assessment of patient index data) both combined will be helpful to tract patients. Unfortunately, he provided confusing figures, and basic statistics, without analysis and significance testing to make his claims.
He talks about desk top and hand health computers being helpful simply as statements, without examples or data. He talks about EMR without giving examples of any clinical information systems, vendors, nor examples of how EMR facilitates the clinic day to day affairs.
The author’s message is very simple- that EMR will be helpful. However, I do not believe this paper provided us with anything we already know. I do not think this paper was worthy of a full manuscript publication. Perhaps, an editorial or comments section.
