Boston, MA - April 4, 2008 - Co-sponsors Medical Records Institute, Inc. (MRI) and Philips Speech Recognition System announce the release of MRI's 10th Annual Survey of EMR Trends & Usage.

The 2008 Survey of EMR Trends and Usage includes 40 questions that reveal insights into:

• Priorities for strategic decisions in IT
• Factors driving adoption of EMRs
•Major barriers to implementing EMR systems
• Satisfaction with EMRs re training, functionalities, ROI, etc.
• Information capture methods being used or planned
• Adoption, satisfaction with, and impact of speech recognition
• EMR applications and functions being used or planned
• Wireless technologies being used
• Perceived effect of EMRs on patient care, patient safety, efficiency and cost of healthcare delivery, and malpractice risk

Additionally, acknowledging that the "healthcare crisis" is a major focus in this election year, the 2008 survey asks respondents to address the following question about what should be expected from the next President and Congress. Selected responses will be posted on MRI's website and potentially displayed at the opening session of the TEPR (Towards the Electronic Patient Record) Conference on Monday, May 19, in Fort Lauderdale FL, which will include a discussion surrounding the potential impact of the new administration on HIT.

What should the next President do to accelerate the implementation of EMRs and to create a healthcare ecosystem that enables computer-guided and computer-supported healthcare. What IT decisions, legislative actions, strategy points can health IT professionals expect from the next Administration and what impact will they have on improving the efficiency of healthcare, cutting waste, and to reducing costs?

The survey will be available by web link through June of this year, and TEPR registrants will be able to complete the survey at kiosks in the conference registration area. Results will be released in July 2008.

CLICK HERE to take the 2008 survey now.

For results of the 2007 survey, click here.

About Philips Speech Recognition Systems
As a global leader in speech technology and healthcare information capture, Philips Speech Recognition Systems constantly strives to optimize our product offerings to the needs of the market. Philips speech recognition provides a technology platform that allows physicians to capture vital information and act upon it. Easy access and instant sharing of patient information and medical knowledge help improve patient safety and treatment. Hear experiences from hospitals in the United States and around the world at Philips SpeechMagic track at TEPR 2008, Tuesday, May 20, 2 to 5:30 pm, Fort Lauderdale.

About Medical Records Institute, Inc.
The Medical Records Institute's (MRI) mission is to promote and enhance the journey towards electronic medical records, e-health, mobile health, and related applications of information technologies. MRI does this by serving as an international forum for sharing knowledge, experience, and solutions with the healthcare community at large, but especially with healthcare practitioners, as well as professionals in information technology and health information management.