EHRs Could Have Positive Environmental Impact on Reducing Use, Waste, Study Finds

Researchers from Kaiser Permanente have published the results of a new study showing the positive impact electronic health record technology could have on reducing water use, waste, and toxic chemicals at the health system’s hospitals and physician offices.

Use of Kaiser’s KP HealthConnect EHR systems saved an estimated 1,044 tons of paper each year, avoiding nearly 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the article, “Use Of Electronic Health Records Can Improve Health Care Industry’s Environmental Footprint,” which will appear in the May issue of Health Affairs.

“There is a strong correlation between environmental health and the health ...