Electronic Medical Record Systems

Electronic Medical Record Systems

Introduction

As time is increasing, advancements are constantly being made to cater to the booming health care demands. The current era of information technology is taking over all aspects of life. It is even being implemented in the heathcare industry. The incorporation of the information technology into the health care industry has been introduced as, Health Information Technology. It is a novel electronic system currently being used and promoted by various health care professionals and their patients. This electronic system enables the efficient preservation, allocation, and analysis of health related data. It is preferred over the traditional methods as it leads to the provision of better quality, safe, synchronized, resourceful and cheaper healthcare care easily accessible for everyone. As attempts are being made for the development and progress of evidence-based clinical guidelines (Nagykaldi & Mold 2007). Therefore, for the implementation of these strategies, health information technology (HIT) is being promoted (Damberg et al.2009). In the USA, various federal initiatives are also being done to promote this technology. Three of the main services provided by the Health Information Technology system are, Electronic health records (EHRs)

Personal health records (PHRs)

Electronic prescribing (E-prescribing)

Discussion

Electronic medical record systems

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems are defined as, "an electronic record of a patient which contains all their health-related data and can only be accessed, produced, collected, organized, and consulted by certified doctors and their staff within a health care institute (NAHIT, 2008). The provision of Electronic Health Records have proven to be quite beneficial for both the physicians, staff and the patients as this service can aid workflow. Moreover, it also enhances the quality of care being provided to the patient.

Functions of the Electronic Medical Record System

Complete access to the health related data of the patient by its physician. It includes data regarding history, diagnosis, past medical history, test results, drugs, adverse effects and allergies.

Ability to view the latest and old laboratory test results by various health care providers.

HIT decision-support systems which avert medical errors such as adverse drug interactions and enhance the acquiescence.

Safe exchange of health related data among providers and patients.

Giving the patient the right to view their health records, and other information.

HIT management processes, such as appointments.

The recording and perseveration of patient's data which can further be used for patient safety and disease surveillance process.

Advantages of Electronic Medical Record Systems

Few of benefits of the electronic medical record systems are,

Enhancing the provision of quality care to the patients

It enables more efficient and systematic preservation of the patient data unlike the traditional use of paper records.

It reduces chances of medical errors and inefficiencies by the staff

It reduces the cost of health care provision

It has excellent storage capacity for the health related data and can easily be updated with time.

It is easily accessible to the patient, so that they are aware of their history of medical care and instructions by the physicians.

It can provide alerts and reminders incase any abnormal test result or appointment is ...