Communication Paper

Communication Paper
Trashida Long
HCS 490
Dan Crawley
April 18, 2011

          In today’s growing technology,   the healthcare organizations are able to communicate in a variety of different ways, such as through e-mail, web- based form and electronic medical records.   The form of communication the pose a   main concern for most patients as well as health care providers is electronic medical records (EMR).   A paper filing system is immense and these files take up a large amount of space. Retrieval and filing and refilling of charts are time consuming and labor intensive. If the chart is taken, then only one department is able to review the chart at one time. This can cause an impact of not being able to access the important patient information that will be needed to treat the patient effectively especially in an emergency situation. Paper charting cannot effectively be used and searched to follow, examine, and or chart numerous clinical processes and medical information. Paper filing also cannot be saved or copied easily off the premises. Doctor’s orders and any corresponding information, such as labs and prescriptions, can be handed out, stored, and looked after more effectively in an electronic medical record system. Electronic medical records can also improve the quality of care for the patient by combining and joining together the patient information that is vital in quality of care. Electronic medical records “provide admitting staff, physicians, and other care giving and business professionals’ appropriate access to common patient data while maintaining privacy requirements” ("Benefits of EMR", 2003, figure 1). This system also gives timely decisions on medical treatments, and the tools to improve the process and experience for the patient. Another benefit of Electronic medical records is their ability to adapt to regulatory changes such as HIPPA and other regulatory and legislative tests with complete and organized information. This information system... [continues]

Read full essay