Analyze the pros and cons of Electronic Health Record System
Electronic Health Record System (EHRs) has gradually gained dominance in the healthcare sector since the American Recovery, and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was passed in 2009. The act required that all healthcare organizations modernize their record systems. Before that, paper-based records were prevalent where patient’s data was recorded and stored in physical formats. The introduction of EHR allowed medical personnel to record, store, and retrieve all patient’s information electronically. However, the adoption of EHRs comes with both benefits and drawbacks for any health care facility that integrates it.
Benefits of EHRs
- Convenience for the patients. Through EHRs, multiple organizations are connected where they can share patient’s information quickly. This allows health care providers to access and assess the medical history of a patient, which promotes informed decision making and quality care delivery.
- Reduction of errors. Computerized record system reduces errors that might arise from misunderstood handwriting, transcription errors, and other mishaps associated with paper-based record system. This, in turn, increases efficiency in the delivery of health care services.
- Improved data accessibility. Unlike a paper-based record system, EHR allows organized storage of data that can be retrieved quickly and effortlessly when needed.
- Increased efficiency. Time is a very crucial factor in health care. EHRs enables quick documentation of a patient’s data, which can be life-saving for patients in need of emergency care. The physician can receive and assess medical tests and advice the best way forward within a short time.
- Privacy and confidentiality. It is common for paper records to be compromised and patient’s private information finding its way into unauthorized hands. But HER systems are equipped with safeguards like passwords, which prevents private information from getting into the wrong hands.
Cons of Electronic Health Records
- Potential Security issues. Like other computer networks, Electronic health records are always are the risk of being compromised through cyber hacking. When this happens, vulnerable and sensitive patient data may fall into the wrong hands.
- It requires training. The introduction of new technology requires extensive training for the employees to change and get accustomed to the operational changes. Sometimes, such changes are met with resistance, particularly if the providers choose EHRs that are is suitable for their operations.
- Reduced patient-physician engagement. The process of feeding data on the system disrupts the patient-provider relationship. More than 60% of physicians agree that a significant amount of time is spent on documentation during a consultation.
Like other emerging technologies, EHR is valuable but not without some drawbacks. But still, EHR has revolutionized key and crucial aspects of healthcare. As more healthcare organizations in the United States continue to adopt this amazing technology, it is crucial for health care providers to understand the range and potential of EHRs to reap maximum benefits.
