Electronic healthcare system is a progressive system in the health sector that has seen the introduction of new health records management systems in various hospitals across the national healthcare system. The system mainly involves the maintenance of patients’ details and health history in a centralized pool that is online. This facilitates ease of access and sharing of patients’ medical history. The main objective is to facilitate ease of providing healthcare based on previous ailments and other physiological factors.
The government has a major role to play in the implementation of an electronic health record system. This is especially as far as the initial implementation of the idea is concerned. The government is primarily involved in the provision of the required investment funds that will be necessary to allow for such a system to be built. Furthermore, the government has the authority to demand compliance from all healthcare playmakers (Carter, 2008). This is crucial since if the synchronization of the health records was to be made optional, some private hospitals would opt to differ. However, the government through the parliamentarians can draft bills and laws that will make this plan successful.
The acquisition of funds may be through an increase in tax and other sources of government revenue. The distribution of such funds to various hospitals may also require strict supervision by the government. This will allow for timely setting up of the necessary infrastructural layouts as far as computerization is concerned. The government also creates incentives to the various hospitals to ensure the new electronic health records systems are embraced gracefully. Although, these incentives will cost the government large sums of money, the results generated from the program will outweigh the cost in terms of the improvement (as far as provision of health care services is concerned).
The government also plays a central role in regulation of the electronic health records (HER) systems. This is because of the risk imposed by sharing of records. Some members may try to hack into the computer systems of competitors (Busch, 2008). Therefore, it is the duty of the government to ensure that sufficient controls are set up to curb such vices from occurring since the might ruin an otherwise excellent improvement and progressive system. This is through articulate stipulation of the defining rules and the corresponding consequences for breaking such rules. Over and above regulation, the government has a role in educating both the public and the hospital staff on the generally working of the EHR system. This reduces redundancies in the operation of the system. However, hospital staff should receive more technical training since they will be constantly using this system. The public can be taught about the need of the changes through advertisements and community enlightening programs (Amatayakul et.al, 2005).
In order to encourage implementation of the system across the whole nation, penalties may be imposed for hospitals that do not meet all the requirements within a certain predetermined date. Hospitals heads and staff should attend government-organized forums updating the on the need to move from the status quo that is primarily a paper-based system. The disadvantages should be clearly highlighted together with clear elaboration of how the EHR systems cater for such drawbacks in the conventional record keeping systems.
The government will also have a crucial role in ensuring the HER systems are constantly updated as need be or as technological advancements dictate necessary. This is in order to ensure that rudimentary systems are completely eradicated.
References
Carter, J. H., & American College of Physicians (2003- ). (2008). Electronic Health Records: A
Guide for Clinicians and Administrators. Philadelphia: ACP Press.
Busch, R. S. (2008). Electronic Health Records: An Audit and Internal Control Guide. Hoboken:
John Wiley & Sons.
Amatayakul, M., Lazarus, S. S., & Medical Group Management Association. (2005). Electronic
Health Records: Transforming Your Medical Practice. Englewood, CO: Medical Group Management Association.
