According to a national survey conducted by the U.S. government, doctors have a hard time switching to computerized patient records.

The results of the research were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and present the conclusion that the medical system is in need of a rapid upgrade.

According to the poll, only 4 percent of all doctors use a software developed for electronic prescriptions and drug-interaction warnings. A second larger group of 13 percent opted for a basic software that allows entering medical histories and notes.

Both groups stated that the investement in computer systems significantly improved the pacient care, leading to fewer medication errors and a much more efficient work procedure.

On the other hand, the rest of 83 percent consider the upgrade too expensive for their practices.

Dr. Paul Feldan, one of the doctors in a care practice in Mount Laurel, New Jersey was quoted by the New York Times taking about the economics of the process, which unfortunately seem way out of hand.

The estimates for the investment are of about $20,000 a doctor and the long-lasting conversion from the paper documentation to computer records would cut into the time designated for patients.

As a result of the stagnant upgrade plans, the government announced a $150 million medical care project, which will provide doctors with the needed resources to help more than 1,200 small practices make the conversion as soon as possible.

The study was requested by the Department of Health and Human Services in its quest to have a clear image on the steps needed to be taken for the improvement of the medical system.

The benefits of the upgrade will be further promoted over the next few months and the plan to clear the old shelves is expected to slowly catch on.