Variation in Clinical Information Technology (IT) Across Physician Specialties

Originally published by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC), 2007.

Clinical IT Adoption Varies Widely Across Physician Specialties

The adoption of clinical information technology varied considerably across physician specialties, according to HSC research. Some specialties, particularly those with high volumes of structured clinical data such as radiology, had embraced electronic systems relatively quickly. Others, including primary care and many surgical specialties, lagged behind due to the complexity of their clinical workflows, the cost of implementing systems tailored to their needs, and the lack of clear financial returns on IT investment.

The variation in IT adoption across specialties carried implications for care coordination and patient safety. When some physicians in a patient's care team used electronic systems while others relied on paper records, the exchange of clinical information became more difficult, increasing the risk of errors and duplicated services. The research highlighted the importance of policies and incentive programs that addressed the specific barriers facing different specialties rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to health IT adoption.

Sources and Further Reading

Center for Studying Health System Change, "Variation in Clinical Information Technology (IT) Across Physician Specialties" (2007).