Electronic health records have advantages such as saving space, reducing paper usage, and enabling coordination among healthcare teams. However, there are also disadvantages such as a significant learning curve, the need for compatible systems, and concerns about privacy and security.
There are both advantages and disadvantages of electronic health records, although many argue that the positives outweigh the negatives. While the investment in this type of system is expensive initially, most argue that over time this cost will translate into greater savings for both medical professionals and health insurance companies. It also takes a long time to convert paper documents to electronic documents, but those records are much easier to track and search once this has been completed. However, anyone using these records must be using compatible systems, otherwise none of the information can be shared.
Keeping medical records electronically can save a lot of space. Instead of storing huge paper patient files, all records are digital and stored on hard drives and/or in offsite data centers. It represents a small percentage of the space required to store physical records. Also, while they don’t make an office entirely paperless, electronic records reduce the amount of paper needed by doctors’ offices, hospitals, and insurance companies.
Another benefit of electronic health records is the ability for all members of a healthcare team to coordinate patient care. This helps avoid unnecessary repeat testing, prevents prescribing medications that could interact badly, and allows everyone on the medical team to understand the approaches taken to treat a condition. A person with complex health problems may consult several specialists and can easily get confused by overlapping or contradictory advice. When specialists and GPs use the same system, all team members should be aware of all other team members’ actions and recommendations.
Electronic records can also save time. While records in the past could be faxed or emailed, in many cases there was generally a wait time. When a doctor has instant access to all of a patient’s information, including things like X-rays, lab tests, and prescription or allergy information, you are empowered to take immediate action. This can be especially useful in emergency situations where a patient cannot answer questions about their medical history due to serious illness or injury.
Many healthcare professionals have handwriting that can be difficult to read, and while this is a generalization, unclear handwriting can lead to errors. Typed information is less likely to cause confusion. However, electronic health records do not exclude occasional typos, which can also have serious consequences. Of course, someone also has to enter all of a patient’s old information into the system, which can take a significant amount of time and could add more errors to the records. A physician may also need to take more time out of their busy schedule to review this data.
Indeed, one concern with the use of electronic health records is that medical professionals can experience a significant learning curve when these programs are first used. A poor typist could take a long time to enter new information. Physicians often have to be their own medical employees, especially during an office visit, and one who is distracted by confusing technology may not be as attentive to a patient’s symptoms or needs.
There is no single source or system for electronic health records in most places, so different hospitals and individual doctors don’t all use the same program. This negates the benefit of instant information for all members of the medical team, as one program may not match another.
Some patients express concern that digital records could be hacked and exploited by others. Since one of the first considerations in medical treatment is confidentiality, it may remain relative to how many people might have access to all of a person’s medical records. Misuse of private medical information could create problems for those with conditions they wish to keep private.
Despite these concerns, many medical professionals and hospitals are now attempting to convert their data to electronic format. However, it’s unclear how long it will take to update old files with long medical histories. It is also unclear when or if it will be possible for the different systems to communicate with each other.
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