The electronic health record (EHR) in specialty care: a time-motion study.

Background Electronic health records (EHRs) have been implemented with the intent of improving efficiency, quality, and safety. The question remains, however, whether the benefits of EHRs can be achieved without slowing physicians' work substantially. Some previous studies have shown no statistically significant change in overall time utilization during clinic sessions preand post-EHR implementation among physicians in primary care, though few data have been available from specialty care. We studied 4 diverse types of specialty clinics prior to and after implementing an EHR.