A time-motion study to evaluate the impact of EMR and CPOE implementation on physician efficiency

J Healthc Inf Manag. 2008 Fall;22(4):31-7.

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine the impact of EMR and CPOE implementation on physician efficiency. A time series observational study was conducted within a hospital setting at six weeks pre-implementation, six weeks post-implementation and five months post-implementation. All 19 subjects were observed twice with one patient per observation. Physician follow-up rounding times per patient were measured. Physicians demonstrated a mean total rounding time of 18.79 minutes (pre-implementation); 16.97 minutes (six weeks post-implementation); and 12.97 minutes (five months post). Overall, the results showed a statistically significant F value = 8.26 > 1 (p = 0.0011) that signifies a reduction in physician rounding time within the hospital setting following EMR implementation. Results also showed overall standard deviations of 6.96 minutes (pre-implementation); 5.13 minutes (six weeks post); and 3.69 minutes (five months post), possibly signifying a reduction in variability and a narrower distribution of rounding times with increased similarity in physicians' rounding patterns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Efficiency, Organizational*
  • Hospitals, General
  • Humans
  • Medical Order Entry Systems*
  • Medical Records Systems, Computerized*
  • Minnesota
  • Physicians*
  • Time and Motion Studies*