Electronic Health Record Essay Example for Free

Electronic Health Record EssayAn Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a schema of records that are electronically managed, providing longitudinal information of the patients health. The information is generated during one or more encounters with the patient. Information pot be preserve and stored under several sections including demographics, encounters, interventions, treatments, immunizations, prescriptions, laboratory and imaging data, etc. The EHR is not only a recording system, but also helps in clinical decision-making. It has several features merged such as providing reminders, precautionary measures to be taken, alerts, evidence-based information, tips in improving prognosis and the quality of care interpretd. An EHR system can function within one segment of the enterprise, in the entire enterprise, or even between several enterprises within a nation or region. EHRs can be customized depending on the typecast of department requiring them and the purpose for its use ( NIH NICRR, 2006 Gurley, 2004).Advantages of the EHR system- Patient information can be stored for longer periods and would occupy lesser space Patient information can be accessed from both point in the hospital and also from one hospital to another, if needed Patient information can be secured and confidentiality can be maintained (as a particular user would be accessing the system with a username/password, and would get information only about his/her patient) Information can be updated from any of the user points Several features such as alerts, reminders, etc, which are very useful to the user can be enabled in an EHR system Built-in intelligence of the EHR would provide several benefits to the physicians such as providing evidence-based information, potential drug reactions, etc The quality of care can be improved The requirements and standards set by accreditation organizations, legislations and insurance companies can be more easily met using an EHR system Potential life-thre atening situations and hazardous drug reactions can be better prevented and managed using an EHR system The patient work flow can be effectively managed if an EHR system is present Communication between several structures of the healthcare organization can be improved (faster and more effective) Depending on the needs of the hospital, a customized EHR can be enabled Risk assessment, management processes and error identification can be better enabled using an EHR system (NIH NICRR, 2006 Gurley, 2004).Disadvantages of the EHR system- Initiating and maintaining an EHR system whitethorn be very costly for the organization (however, the improvements in quality need to be considered) Training healthcare professionals in EHR use may be effortful (as it requires some amount of technical knowledge) Getting competent with the EHR system requires a sharp learning curve The EHR systems incorporated from one hospital may be different from another, which may hamper the flow of information Lack s standard architecture and terminologies (effective interconnecting links need to be considered) Staff members may find it difficult to adopt to the clinical changes brought about through incorporation of an EHR system Slow systems may affect the workflow Risk of the system being hacked and data use (certain standards should be compiled with and protocols need to be followed) (NIH NICRR, 2006 Gurley, 2004).