Tokyo has announced plans to implement electronic medical records (EMRs) in all 639 hospitals across the city by fiscal year 2027, aiming to enhance information sharing and improve operational efficiency. EMRs allow for centralized management of patient records in digital format, reducing data entry and storage burdens, and facilitating easier information exchange between healthcare facilities.
Prompted by lessons from the pandemic, the national government has set a goal of widespread EMR adoption across nearly all medical institutions in Japan by 2030. Tokyo aims to achieve this ahead of schedule for hospitals. As of January, Tokyo reports a 71% adoption rate, with 29% of hospitals yet to implement EMRs. The majority of non-adopting hospitals are small to medium-sized facilities with fewer than 200 beds.
Surveys revealed financial constraints as the main barrier for these hospitals, with difficulties in securing funds for installation and upkeep topping the list of reasons for non-adoption. In response, Tokyo has expanded its subsidy program for installation and upgrade costs, starting from this fiscal year, increasing support rates for some hospitals from one-half to three-quarters. To reach the goal of 100% adoption by 2027, the “Tokyo Medical DX Promotion Council,” established in early July and chaired by University of Tokyo Emeritus Professor Yoshitaka Kobayashi, will continue to explore initiatives and budget plans.
by MagazineKey4532