ABSTRACT
The introduction of new, disruptive technologies and innovations may bring significant benefits for patients including enhanced quality of life and more efficient care. A recent analysis of Healthgrades’ hospital performance database on mortality and complication rates shows that electronic medical records do have a positive impact on care. Technological advances combined with government incentives and requirements are providing solid reasons for individual physicians and hospitals to move toward implementing HIT. In the late 1960s, Dr. Larry Weed introduced the concept of the problem-oriented medical record instead of recording diagnoses and their treatment. In its early years, a health-related technology assessment was called a medical technology assessment. The introduction of new technology, including computer (informatics) technology, always impacts clinical practice. The ideal method, or combination of methods, should be determined by the research questions in the context of time frame and environment.
