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. 2013 Sep;103(9):1560-7.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301220. Epub 2013 Jul 18.

Electronic health records and US public health: current realities and future promise

Daniel J Friedman  1 , R Gibson Parrish, David A Ross
Affiliations

Electronic health records and US public health: current realities and future promise

Daniel J Friedman et al. Am J Public Health. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) could contribute to improving population health in the United States. Realizing this potential will require understanding what EHRs can realistically offer to efforts to improve population health, the requirements for obtaining useful information from EHRs, and a plan for addressing these requirements. Potential contributions of EHRs to improving population health include better understanding of the level and distribution of disease, function, and well-being within populations. Requirements are improved population coverage of EHRs, standardized EHR content and reporting methods, and adequate legal authority for using EHRs, particularly for population health. A collaborative national effort to address the most pressing prerequisites for and barriers to the use of EHRs for improving population health is needed to realize the EHR's potential.

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Comment in

  • Friedman and Parrish respond.
    Friedman DJ, Parrish RG. Friedman DJ, et al. Am J Public Health. 2014 Mar;104(3):e9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301807. Epub 2014 Jan 16. Am J Public Health. 2014. PMID: 24432936 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Health information technology and the primary care information project.
    Kaye K, Singer J, Newton-Dame R, Shih SC. Kaye K, et al. Am J Public Health. 2014 Mar;104(3):e8-9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301787. Epub 2014 Jan 16. Am J Public Health. 2014. PMID: 24432950 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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