Breaking down the barriers. Improving physician buy-in of CPR systems.

The computer-based patient record (CPR) continues to gain recognition and notoriety as its potential benefits are paralleled by its potential problems. The benefits of an effective CPR system include increased efficiency, improved quality and cost savings. But potential problems may actually be decreased efficiency, lowered quality (rarely), and economic losses. Factors that effect these potential CPR outcomes include system quality, system expense and physician buy-in. But even though CPR systems are starting to show improved quality at more reasonable prices, the lack of physician buy-in may stop groups from pursuing CPR systems at this time. They realize that even a perfect CPR system will ultimately fail unless physicians understand the system and use it appropriately.