Importance of Electronic Health Records
Technology has facilitated the changes in many sectors including the health sector where patients data and information is stored and accessed electronically through the introduction of electronic health records. Electronic health record is more convenient and reliable to manual one which involved a lot of paper work. Practitioners prefer electronic health record keeping since patient information is only accessible on demand and they are important since they save money, time and also lives. The system is advantageous to both the patients and practitioners since information retrieving is faster and saves time. There are a number of advantages of using the electronic health records for both the patient and health practitioner and they include the following.
Paperwork is less experienced in record keeping since more of it is done electronically with the help of computerized systems Since the data and records concerning patients is stored in a centralized computer system retrieving of the same information is easy and faster as compared to when using the manual system. Record stored electronically can be accessed only on demand since the information stored electronically is more safe than the one stored on paperwork Transfer of patient information or record from one department does not involve the much paperwork involved back then, since records and information is stored and can be transferred electronically.
Communication between physicians has been greatly improved with the help of electronic health record keeping and fewer errors are experienced than the paper records. There is fully access to patient information by parties involved rather than a snapshot type of overview from current visit. There is room for in depth evaluation since doctors have fully access to patient information and record from the previous visit which led to accurate diagnosis and avoiding human errors that are experienced on paper record. The use of electronic health record makes it easy for doctors to make a follow up of patients recovery track and continue care for both the patients under his or her care and those from other doctors. And in cases of emergency these electronic records can provide critical lifesaving information concerning a patient to emergency care providers.
Electronic health records has led to improved patient care outcomes and more patient empowerment. Patients have an active role in managing their outcomes and well-being since they are able to access their health record with the help of electronic health record system. Patient’s portals provide all results and information of a patient and it provide a convenient way of scheduling appointments, refill prescriptions and also communicate electronically. Patient information is centrally stored electronically which makes it accessible from any care setting when ensuring effective delivery of treatment. Another advantage of electronic health record is the outflow nature for better coordinated care.