Demonstrating the effects of an IAIMS on health care quality and cost.

The importance of demonstrating the effect of integrating electronic medical records into clinical practice, and methods for conducting the studies necessary to do so, are presented as a model that may be applicable to other aspects of the Integrated Advanced Information Management System (IAIMS). Integrated electronic medical record (EMR) systems offer the prospect of both improving the quality of health care by reducing variation in processes and outcomes and lowering its costs. Because such systems are expensive and require time-consuming re-engineering of health care delivery, demonstrating effectiveness should be part of system development. The expected benefits should be demonstrated using the most rigorous study design that the local clinical environment can support. Results of useful studies include both processes and outcomes of care, the latter including both objective and subjective measures. Comprehensive testing of EMR innovations requires a multispecialty team of investigators, adequate funding, and a commitment of both informaticists and clinicians. Demonstrating the beneficial effects of integrated EMR systems will facilitate their incorporation into everyday clinical care.