More than 80% of U.S. adults have concerns about the security of their electronic health records, according to a new survey from Xerox and Harris Interactive, Becker's Hospital Review reports.
For the survey, researchers interviewed 2,720 U.S. adults about their opinions on various issues related to EHRs (Herman, Becker's Hospital Review, 7/25).
Findings
Of the 82% of survey respondents who had concerns about EHRs, the survey found that:
- 78% were worried that hackers would steal information from their EHRs;
- 64% were worried that their EHRs would be lost or damaged; and
- 62% were worried that their EHRs would be misused (CMIO, 7/21).
The survey also found that 14% of respondents said they were frightened by the conversion to EHRs, down about two percentage points since 2010. Eleven percent of respondents said they are excited by the conversion to EHRs, up one percentage point from last year.
Of respondents who were familiar with the transition to EHRs, the survey found that:
- 51% said they believe EHRs will lead to better, more efficient care;
- 45% said they believe EHRs are necessary; and
- 34% said they anticipate problems early in the EHR implementation process (Pulley, NextGov, 7/25).
The survey also found that 18% of respondents who have a health care provider said they have been approached by their clinician to discuss EHRs (Miliard, Healthcare IT News, 7/22).