One of the biggest advancements of the modern health care systems is the development of Electronic health records systems. There has been an ongoing discussion as to the benefits of this information management system as opposed to the old manual paperwork system. This paper outlines the benefits of this system and notes cost efficiency, security, quality of healthcare as well as healthcare coordination as some of the benefits of this system.
One of the most important advantages of this form of information management in the health care system is the ability to provide patient information in one place. Using this platform, all patients’ information can be obtained and retained in one place and is easily accessible due to the ability of the system to allow for information sharing with registries, labs as well as pharmacies and other sections of the healthcare system (The European Society of Cardiology,2012). Additionally, client information can be easily accessible, as one will not have to dig information from manual files.
Security and integrity of patient information is also one other important benefit of electronic health systems as compared to the manual paper work. Patient information stored electronically can be secured from any forms of loss even in the case of fire by ensuring an offshore backup or even cloud computing. This guarantees information security regardless of the perils.
Digital information records are also known to support decision making by having a function that creates reminders as well as clinical alerts about the patients. This minimizes the probability of a doctor forgetting to administer a given treatment when actually it’s required.
Lastly is the secure and reliable access to patient’s information such as medical history is an essential part of healthcare and is therefore enhanced by the use of this records management system. This leads to generally better patient experience and outcomes as well.
Patient participation
One other major advantage of electronic health records system is patient participation in the healthcare system. Providers are now able to exchange emails with patients, book appointments and also schedule patents electronically. Additionally, it’s an important platform that enables healthcare providers to be able to reach out to patients with ease.
It’s also argued that the use of electronic health records systems is helpful in ensuring better healthcare. This is possible, to the extent that these records help improve the medic’s ability to accurately diagnose diseases, reduce instances of errors and generally improve patient outcomes. This is because electronic health records avail full medical history of the patient with much ease, and this reduces chance of miscommunication between the patient and the doctor (HealthIT providers and professionals, 2011)
Electronic health records are important tools that allow for coordination in medical care. This ensures that all authorized dealers have the same and accurate information. Look at a situation where for instance a patient is to be referred to another hospital. The keeping of accurate information about the patient ensures that the patient will not be required to repeat themselves on the other end, and that the new doctors will be able to access up to date medical information about the patient, which enhances health care.
Efficiency and cost reduction
Effective and efficient and accurate patient information will in one way or the other reduce duplication of work, losses in terms of wrong diagnosis, loss of files by ensuring that there is tight security on client’s information. This reduces the costs associated with the loss of client’s information.
References
The European Society of Cardiology (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.escardio.org/communities/councils/ccp/news/Pages/Electronic-health-records-a-new-opportunity-for-better-patient-management.aspx
Health providers and professionals (2011) Retrieved from: http://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/medical-practice-efficiencies-cost-savings
