Technology

[Name of the Institute]Technology

Introduction

An EHR also known as electronic health record is a progressing model demarcated as a methodical assortment of EHR or electronic health data regarding distinct patients or even populations. It is a system to record the data of the patients in digital layout, which is in theory adept of being pooled through diverse settings of health care. However, in some of the cases this distribution might occur through the system of network-linked enterprise-widespread data systems and additional information systems or connections. Electronic health record might comprise of a wide range of information, such as the demographics of the patient, patient's medical history, previous medication as well as allergies, vaccination status, results of the laboratory test, images of radiology, vital symbols, individual stats including the age weight, along with the billing information of the patient (Richard et al, 1997).

Discussion

A group of stakeholders from federal health service agencies and the private sector recently convened to define a family health history minimum data set, the core elements of family health history that should be included in EMRs used in primary care settings. The group envisioned that standardizing representation, including the creation of a minimum data set, will facilitate communication and reuse of family health history data to improve personal health and to build knowledge. The core data elements identified by the group include common elements of family history, such as information pertaining to first- and second-degree relatives, consanguinity, adoptive status, diagnoses and causes of death, and presence or known absence of genetic mutations (Guttmacher and Collins, 2005).

Most EMRs are equipped to maintain most if not all of the information identified in the family health history minimum data set. EMR systems often include specialized online forms for collection and maintenance of family health history information. These forms are generally to be completed by providers, often while interviewing a patient. The EMR system may prompt the provider for specific information, such as history of heart disease in a first- or second-degree relative, or number of siblings and any health concerns experienced by them. EMR systems often include smart text or drop-down menus to support the use of controlled vocabularies in documentation of family health history information, which facilitates analysis and reuse of the information in ways that would be impossible with paper-based records. The family health history maintained in an EHR may also be easily updated as new information becomes available, and a ...