Electronic medical records: a survey of use and satisfaction in small dialysis organizations

Little is known about electronic medical record (EMR) use in small dialysis organizations (SDOs). The objective was to determine the prevalence of EMRs in SDOs in the United States. A random sample telephone survey of SDOs was conducted in October, 2008. Approximately 60.7% of the facilities was found to be using an EMR, but only 33.5% had comprehensive systems that recorded medications, tests, and clinical notes. While 75.3% of the respondents indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their EMRs, just over one-third of those said they were planning to upgrade or replace their current systems.