EMR
An electronic medical record record (EHR) (also electronic health record (EHR)) is a data repository that digitally collects the medical reports of patients, exchanges such information with other healthcare provides, and makes a personal health record (PHR) for the patient to share with their doctor and other providers.
Contents
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR)
EMR benefits
Electronic Medical Records have many benefits over an analogous paper record.
Privacy and security
Electronic objects enhance privacy by providing different levels of security access to different governmental groups and individuals. However, it also lends itself to some false sense of security in that it doesn’t prevent humans from mislabeling, incorrectly granting access, or malicious tampering. A digital data trail is very durable and more difficult to erase than a paper trail. However, privacy breaches are possible.
Financial
Although initially implementing EMRs can be expensive [1], computer systems are more efficient and can save time and money. EMR systems can eliminate the paper chart. [2] Hard drives take up less space. Shared databases reduces the need for paper. [3]
Billing is also easier, as files are claimed faster, and bills are done optimally. Patients can be informed of generic drugs and doctors can know if insurances do not cover patients. Insurance and malpractice premiums can also be lowered. [4]) [5] The computer also can point out different drugs that can save hospitals money [6].
Man hours are also reduced. Dictation is automatic, e-prescribing reduces number of phone calls and visits, [7] [8] [9] and patients are automatically notified of test results and appointment times.
Clinical
EMRs make the hospital staff more productive. Nurses are more efficient [10] A computer system reduces medication errors and checks for drug-drug interactions [11] [12] [13] [14]
Reminders can ncrease underused preventative measures, [15] reduce duplicate laboratory tests, [16] [17] and increase compliance (Gilad Kuperman, M.D., P.h.D., Richard Gibson, M.D., P.h.D. Ann Intern Med. 2003; 139:31-39.) and (Timm JA, Chick KL, Peterson JA, Epps SI, Bleimeyer RR, Harris M. Using expert rules to automate pressure ulcer alerts for the clinical nurse specialist. AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2008 Nov 6:1154.) and (Teich JM, Merchia PR, Schmiz JL, Kuperman GJ, Spurr CD, Bates DW. Effects of computerized physician order entry on prescribing practices. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:2741-7.)
Patient internet portal allows for most up to date information about healthcare. [18]
EHR system Selection
See more for in depth discussion of EHR system selections
Waiting room solutions
See more for in depth discussion of Waiting room solutions
- Vendor Selection Criteria
- EMR Components
- EMR Training
- Strategies for Improving EMR Adoption
- Clinician Sign-out applications
- Free and Open Source EMRs
- Integrating Medical Devices into EMRs
- Remote Access
- Considerations for Specialists
- Models for Adoption by Small - Medium size practices
- EMR and Biometrics
- Socio-technical Issues
- Privacy of Patient Data: Genetic Non-Discrimination
- Definitions of Terms related to Patient Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security
- Business Case for Improving Usability
- New Technologies
- WiSPER™ (Wireless Standardized Portable Electronic Records)
- Vocera -- Hands-free, wireless communication device
- Aionex PatientBoard -- a HIPAA-compliant, secure, web-based, patient status board
- FastAccess -- a biometric facial recognition solution to the repeat login problem
- Biometric Resource -- information about existing and cutting edge biometric technologies
