A case for restraint of explosive growth of health information technology: first, do no harm.

Abstract

Information technology has brought significant advances to modern life. We, like many others, believe that IT properly utilized in the delivery of health care ultimately bodes well for the care of our patients. The challenge is that the current technology does not live up to that promised state of multiple elements of improved care through IT. Despite that, legislative mandates have required large-scale adoption of present day health care IT solutions. These regulations have been particularly challenging for independent practitioners.Our efforts at making these points are now supported by a growing body of research including a very important analysis by the ECRI.