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While nine out of 10 hospitals are using or considering using health information technology for clinical uses, most cite cost as a major impediment to broader adoption, especially for small or rural hospitals, according to a recent survey by the American Hospital Association (AHA).

Cost called impediment to broader IT adoption

January 1, 2006

Cost called impediment to broader IT adoption

While nine out of 10 hospitals are using or considering using health information technology for clinical uses, most cite cost as a major impediment to broader adoption, especially for small or rural hospitals, according to a recent survey by the American Hospital Association (AHA).

The survey results suggest that the use of health IT in caring for patients is evolving as hospitals adopt specific technologies based on their needs and priorities, size, and financial resources. While most are still in the beginning stages, the survey shows hospitals are making investments in IT, in large part, to make gains in the safety and quality of patient care.

Some of the technologies and systems hospitals are using include bar coding devices, computerized physician order entry, and electronic health records.