ASCO Electronic Health Records Resources
Oncologists are increasingly using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to streamline workflow, create more complete documentation, reduce errors, increase patient and provider satisfaction, and reduce costs associated with traditional transcription and paper records. Given the complex nature of cancer treatment and management, the opportunity for practice quality improvement through the use of EHRs is considerable.
ASCO members have requested that the Society serve in an advisory capacity with respect to the appropriate implementation of EHRs. In 2005, ASCO established an EHR Workgroup in response to this growing demand.
After evaluating the needs and requests of members, the EHR Workgroup has begun to develop the following resources and programs:
- A dedicated area on ASCO.org for EHR information, as well as links to EHR standard- setting organizations and government websites: www.asco.org/ehr.
- A new “IT Helpdesk” column in the Journal of Oncology Practice, which includes advice for physicians about health information technology and EHRs.
- An EHR Policy Roundtable for representatives from cooperative groups, cancer centers and academic institutions, and government agencies—as well as community- based oncologists, patient advocates, public and private insurers, and vendors—at which participants will discuss essential components of effective EHRs (early 2007).
- An Oncology EHR Vendor Challenge, which will provide oncologists an opportunity to test vendors in a “laboratory” setting and to discuss practical implementation issues (summer 2007).
