In today's society, computers are ubiquitous. They have always been used to simplify our lives in different ways and make our work easier and more accurate. To be a part of this rapidly spreading technology, the medical industry is moving towards abolishing the pen-and-paper system and embracing computers to track and maintain patient medical records, and thus electronic health records.
When a person with a complaint goes to his or her doctor, the doctor will collect information from the patient in an effort to build a complete story about the origin and possible causes of the complaint. The information obtained from the patient includes the patient's past and present medical history, laboratory results, previous medical conditions and prescription drugs, radiological images, etc., all of which make up the patient's medical records. This information, when placed in a digital format, is known as the person's electronic health record.
The current government has made it a priority to continue to centralize and digitally make patient medical records available. A large part of the stimulus package for economic recovery is earmarked for this project. It is hoped that when all is said and done, electronic medical records, a better way to keep records than pen and paper, will become the order of the day.
Like any new approach to doing things, EHR (Electronic Health Records) has its pros and cons. The benefits of keeping medical records electronically include:-
Better Documentation
Doctors are legendary for illegible handwriting that leads to inaccurate data entry by a second or third party. With EPD, this problem will largely be a thing of the past.Lower Cost
It is hoped that the use of EHR will reduce health care costs in the long term and promote evidence-based care. Because information is readily available and can be easily and quickly referenced before choosing the best treatment option, resources are saved as the patient's illness period shortens.
Better Storage
Huge amounts of information can be stored in digital format and take up a minuscule amount of space, eliminating the file storage problems that currently exist with the pen-and-paper system.
Easy Retrieval of Information
With information in a digital format, it is quick and easy to retrieve information, saving time and manpower. With patients' medical records just a click away, individuals previously involved in locating and retrieving files are redeployed to other positions.
Lower Insurance Premiums for Malpractice
With the legible and accurate documentation that an electronic health record system provides, insurance companies tend to lower the malpractice premium for institutions that use an EHR system. The information trail is also easy to follow in disputes and will make a difference in the outcome of a case if there are uncertainties.
Increased Level of Medical Care
With a few clicks away from a patient's complete medical record, a physician has immediate access to the patient's medical information, enabling them to respond faster and better when providing medical care.
Accurate Registration
EHR makes it easy to accurately track who has access to patient information, when it was accessed and by whom. And when changes are made to a patient record, you can see who changed it and when.