While early adopters of Meditech 6.0 are reporting positive results, including an improved user interface and easier navigation, many obstacles still stand in the way of widespread adoption, according to new research from Orem, Utah-based KLAS. The report examines the benefits and challenges of moving to the latest release of the Meditech EMR, and asks whether it’s a viable solution to help the company’s 2,000-plus clinical customers achieve meaningful use.
The release of Meditech 6.0 brings with it high expectations for making the software better suited for physician use, which is a key aspect of the federal government’s definition of meaningful use and a traditional weakness of Meditech systems, according to KLAS.
The updated version is geared toward addressing the vendor’s struggles with CPOE adoption; however, several issues may impact how quickly it is rolled out to Meditech’s customers, including its large client base and the financial hardships many hospitals are facing, says KLAS.
Cost concerns, paired with the fact that the technology of version 6 is such a significant upgrade, have led some customers to consider moving to another solution. The KLAS report notes that more than 25 percent of Meditech MAGIC and C/S customers are either planning to investigate other options or planning to migrate to a new core clinical product, while 6 percent of that client base indicated they are planning to switch from Meditech specifically because of the upgrade. However, nearly three quarters of its clients are satisfied enough with performance that they expect to continue with the relationship and see little risk in the 6.0 conversion, says KLAS.
For more information or to purchase the report, healthcare providers and vendors can visit www.klasresearch.com.
