Jeremy Smith wrote that the acceptance of EMR is much lower than 90% among solo or small practices[1] and he reviewed the experience of four doctors who graduated from medical school in or prior to 1983 or who have been in practice for 25 years and who are satisfied with their transition to EMR. I know and respect one of the four doctors. 

Erin Walkinshaw’s articles in the 6 September 2011 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal[2] stated that the available EMR software packages were written by computer programmers in response to top-down demands from governments, without consultation with doctors, and that doctors who purchase the programs see fewer patients than they did when using paper files, for up to 18 months, because they spend an hour or two a day on the phone trying to get the system to work. 

Jeremy Smith’s article is a testimonial. What is the published evidence that the EMR software packages currently available in BC improve measurable patient outcomes?
—Robert Shepherd, MD
Victoria

References

1. Smith J. On the EMR adoption journey with GP physicians in solo and small practices. BCMJ 2011;53:326-327,369.
2. Walkinshaw E. Challenges of family practice: Shopping for electronics. CMAJ 2011;183:1353-1354.