The mere ability to aggregate patient data electronically thereby creating a metadata file allows for faster abstraction, and analysis of key indicators like congestive heart failure patients receiving aspirin from time of arrival. .
Other features of EHRs include accessibility anyplace at any time and interoperability the use of patient data between organizations. This key feature of EHRs sets it apart from paper based medical records which don't offer institutional interoperability. By definition, the EHR according to the Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS) is a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more health encounters in any care delivery setting (Jacques, 2011). Included in the EHR are patient demographics, progress and problem notes, medications, laboratory orders and results, vital signs, past medical history, family history of disease, immunizations, and radiology reports (Jacques, 2011). Unlike paper records, the EHR provides users a compiled report of encounters containing patient care activities via an interface which can also be printed out (Jacques, 2011). If EHRs offer so much then why are many physicians unwilling to go digital? Patient privacy and risk of tort liability has much to do with the reticence. In short HIPAA compliance and regulation may deter greater EHR deployment. .
EHR: Analysis of Benefits & Risks.
As briefly mentioned, EHRs have the capability of making patient data portable, improving health care delivery, reducing medical errors, which improves healthcare overall (Pipersburgh, 2011). EHRs achieve better care by reducing appointment wait times, unnecessary or duplicate testing, and providing patients with easier access to their medical records i.e. MyChart Module within Epic Systems ((Hoffman & Podgurski, 2009; Pipersburgh, 2011). EHR systems facilitate online communication between team members reducing wait time on any case issues (Hoffman & Podgurski, 2009).