Electronic Health Record
Electronic Health Record
Technology can provide advantages as well as disadvantages to people’s lives. Palma listed nine bad effects in using electronic health records while only six were for good effects (2003). Palma says that the negative effects can often outweigh the positive effects in terms of using electronic health records (2013). Ironically, Palma also shows a way on how good effects can outweigh the bad effects in deciding to use electronic health records and how to mitigate the negative effects while using the new technology for health records.
Looking at the six “bad” effects listed by Palma, it impresses that the negative effects arise from lack of preparation or readiness. The first six negative effects are all caused by the lack of preparation in researching or finding out possible partners, in budgeting, in adapting in initial effects of using the system, in managing tasks, in finding alternate means of verifying data, and on system updates and including other responsibilities, respectively. Dolan as mentioned by Palma (2013) also proves the lack of preparation or unpreparedness when almost 8 out of 10 physicians had a poor electronic health records evaluation prior to switching on vendors.
Palma mentions that it is important for physicians and hospitals to take time to evaluate both the technology and its implementation process (2013). Evaluation helps to become prepared. By becoming prepared, negative effects can be mitigated. In addition, self-discipline among workers or physicians can address delays in documentation, and the three ugly effects mentioned.
Simply comparing good effects to bad ones is not enough in deciding whether to use the new technology or not. In order to better decide the use of electronic health records, physicians or hospitals must evaluate their level of preparedness thoroughly in all aspects before embracing the technology. Thus, having a thorough evaluation also helps mitigate the negative effects.
References
Palma, G. (2013, October 14) Electronic Health Records: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Becker's Health IT & CIO Review. Retrieved from http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/electronic-health-records-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.html
