EHR (Electronic Health Records)
EHR (Electronic Health Records)
Question 1
EHR (Electronic Health Records) is a fundamental component of modern health care systems. Electronic Health Records encompass the storage of health data in digital format. Consequently, EHR systems represent a transformation from the manual records that were conventionally used in health practice. Electronic health records are used in different types on institutions. Firstly, electronic health records are extremely useful in emergency units. In emergency units, records are integral components of the treatment process (Carter, 2008). Minor details can have extensive implications on the treatment outcome. This justifies the incorporation of electronic health records in emergency units.
Apart from emergency rooms, electronic health records are also used in health care centers that cater for outpatients. For a precise diagnosis, it is paramount to use reliable information about the patient. Electronic health systems ensure that health care practitioners can easily access crucial data pertaining to the patient. This is an essential approach towards enhancing the quality of treatment for outpatients. Health care centers that cater for inpatients also use electronic health records. This is because the digital records provide an excellent platform for the health care practitioners to evaluate the patient’s medical history. Consequently, this helps in the establishment of an effective framework for admitting at treating patients.
The extensive use of EHR is evident in institutions that specialize in organ and blood donation (Busch, 2008). This is a sensitive area of health care that requires accurate information about the patient’s medical history. Through electronic health records, it is easy for organ and blood donation centers to have accurate information. The use of electronic health records is also evident in federal agencies for health care such as Medicaid and Medicare. Additionally, electronic health records are integral components of the operational framework of CDC. For instance, CDC uses electronic health records in formulating public health policies.
Question 2
The use of electronic health records reduces medical errors. This is because digital records have an excellent degree of accuracy. Interpretation of prescriptions is among the most sensitive areas with regard to medical errors. For instance, the nurse might easily misinterpret the physician’s prescriptions as a result of poor handwriting. However, such scenarios are nonexistent when health care organizations use electronic health records. Electronic health records have an inherent capacity to enhance accuracy levels. This is because they also encompass specialized software that has exceptional user interfaces.
Apart from improving accuracy, electronic health records are essential in boosting patient outcome. Firstly, they play a vital role in minimizing waiting time in hospitals and other health care organizations (Scarlat, 2012). Reduction in waiting time is a useful perspective in boosting operational efficiency in an organization. Electronic health records also improve the quality of care by facilitating for an accurate evaluation of a patient’s medical history. Medical history is among the most crucial parameters in health care. For instance, some prescriptions might be ineffective for a patient due to his medical history. Through the electronic health records, physicians and other health care practitioners can access the patient’s medical history (Busch, 2008). Consequently, this facilitates for an effective treatment plan.
Electronic health records also represent an excellent platform for minimizing the cost of healthcare. This is because they facilitate for an effective process of resource allocation. Additionally, electronic health records are useful in terms of streamlining decision making in health care. This is pertinent towards the enhancement of quality of care for all patients.
References
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
