Study: EMR Can Help Reduce MRSA

Researchers evaluated the effect of an electronic medical record on the use of antimicrobial agents and infection rates of Clostridium difficile and MRSA, according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

The study took place between Jan. 2005 and Dec. 2009. The following parameters were measured and compared before and after implementing an EMR: antimicrobial drug use, rates of C. difficile and MRSA infection, number of medical charts reviewed and numbers of antimicrobial recommendations made and accepted.

Results showed that implementation of an EMR significantly increased chart reviews and antimicrobial recommendations, leading to a decrease in antimicrobial use and MRSA as well as C. difficile infection rates.

Read the study about EMRs and infection rates.

Read other coverage about health IT in surgery centers:

- 3 Ways to Ensure Completion of Medical Records

- 5 Considerations for Adding EMR to Your ASC

- 9 Things to Know About EMRs for ASCs