The objective of this paper is to look at the benefits of the adoption of computer-based patient records and to formulate recommendations that assist in overcoming identified barriers to implementation. The benefits and barriers associated with the wide spread adoption of computer-based patient records systems in the North American marketplace are investigated. The clinical, workflow, administrative and revenue benefit of computer-based patient records are discussed in relation to the currently used paper-based system. Significant barriers to implementation are identified and recommendations as to how to overcome those barriers are presented. The business case for the adoption of computer-based patient records is made through the use of case studies of successful implementations and return on investment and payback period calculations
