Electronic Health Record
Gone are the days when all medical documentation was done using a pen and paper. Thanks to advancements in technology, there are modernized ways to gather, store, and transmit information more efficiently. The paper charting method has been shifted to a rather digital version of documentation known as the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The EHR provides a real-time and secure way to manage patient medical records. “Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data and radiology reports,” (Habda & Czar, 2013). The information gathered using an EHR provides a more broader outlook on the care each patient. With the use of an EHR, patient
…show more content…
Providers now have a quick access to view up-to-date patient information which allows them to perform more coordinated patient care. It also provides the patient’s with access to their own health records. Patient’s are now able to input information regarding their hospital visit and other details that are normally filled out on various forms prior to being seen by a provider. These advancements allow patients to be diagnosed more effectively which in turn leads to a reduction in medical errors and provides overall safer patient …show more content…
When information shifts to an online database, it then poses a risk for hackers to break into. This leads to a breech in patient privacy which can cause major concerns for patients. Another downfall with implementing the EHR into hospital and clinical settings include its’ increased cost to implement that system. When it comes to shifting from using natural resources to more technological resources, an increased cost should be expected since now maintenance, training and other aspects of transitioning to digital usage has to be taken into account. I do however believe the implementation of the EHR has had many positive effects on the overall hospital experience despite the cons that may accompany its' use. I can’t imagine having to quickly jot everything down in a patient’s chart and struggle to interpret various providers handwritings for their prescribed orders. One way that hospitals are held accountable for their proper use of the electronic health record is through the achievement of meaningful
Providers now have a quick access to view up-to-date patient information which allows them to perform more coordinated patient care. It also provides the patient’s with access to their own health records. Patient’s are now able to input information regarding their hospital visit and other details that are normally filled out on various forms prior to being seen by a provider. These advancements allow patients to be diagnosed more effectively which in turn leads to a reduction in medical errors and provides overall safer patient …show more content…
When information shifts to an online database, it then poses a risk for hackers to break into. This leads to a breech in patient privacy which can cause major concerns for patients. Another downfall with implementing the EHR into hospital and clinical settings include its’ increased cost to implement that system. When it comes to shifting from using natural resources to more technological resources, an increased cost should be expected since now maintenance, training and other aspects of transitioning to digital usage has to be taken into account. I do however believe the implementation of the EHR has had many positive effects on the overall hospital experience despite the cons that may accompany its' use. I can’t imagine having to quickly jot everything down in a patient’s chart and struggle to interpret various providers handwritings for their prescribed orders. One way that hospitals are held accountable for their proper use of the electronic health record is through the achievement of meaningful