Making the Rounds

Bennett: Though e-forms will most likely replace paper products, we do not think that will take place in the next 10 to 15 years. Obviously, this is a negative for our industry.

Cahill: Technology ... presents opportunity and e-forms. Folks in our industry may be tempted to say, “It’s going to do away with my print business.” ... I’m not ready to say that yet. I think it will affect it, but I also think you can marry that with some of your other offerings in the hospital to create a single source package like we do now, and still bring great customer service to the end-user.

Maggio: E-forms have been around and have not had a material impact to date. However, I feel that they will eventually have an impact. ... The medical community does not tend to be early adapters when it comes to e-forms. As e-forms make inroads, as [they] eventually must, I do not feel that it will have a major impact on forms for many years. Among the obstacles are the issues of privacy and security, both of which are major considerations in the health-care environment. While there are existing and new ways to address these issues, it will take some time. ... I feel we are at least five years away from any noticeable impact on the forms business and, even then, the transition will be slow.