The modern world has brought many advances in healthcare. One of the most useful to my professional practice has been the development of Electronic Health Records (EHR), which are simply digital versions of paper charts. Computer-based patient records have greatly impacted how things are now done in my unit and in my facility. 53 percent of physicians believed that the use of EHRs can improve the quality of care they provide (Wynia 2011). We have been using computer based health records for several years and over the years, we have transitioned into more programs and several different systems being used. This has streamlined our hospital 's ability to provide quality patient care and offer continuity of care in the various outlying facilities.
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EHRs are about about quality, safety, and efficiency . Providers are improving their ability to make well-informed treatment decisions quickly and safely by having immediate access to patient records from inpatient and remote locations allowing for more coordinated, efficient care. In the ER, having quick access to a patients previous hospitalizations and other information can be a wonderful tool for patients with frequent emergencies or who are unconscious, uncooperative, or otherwise unable to provide the needed information. There is a streamlined workflow from interfacing with lab and special procedures, no longer having to wait on results to be phoned in or x-rays to be developed. In our unit, our x-ray machines are synced to out computers and the practioners can actually view the plate immediately after its shot. This is incredibly useful for UAC and ET tube placements during critical times. Clinical alerts, reminders, and medical information are flagged and easily viewed. We have the ability to view a complete record of a clinical patient encounter at the touch of a finger which can be a great asset in providing quality care. Healthcare costs are also contained and managed easier as complete documentation facilitates accurate coding and …show more content…
Some are comfortable with new technologies; others may be intimidated. In my perspective, IT developments in health care, not only improves patient care and outcomes but helps patients themselves to become more active in their care. As providers, it 's an important goal to keep both our professional and our patient 's perspective in mind as we transition with the main goal of improving the quality and safety of patient care.
Mosquera, M. (2011, September 20). AHRQ tests tool to identify, report health IT hazards. Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/ahrq-tests-tool-identify-and-report-health-it-hazards
How to Implement EHRs. (2013, April 5). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/ehr-implementation-steps
Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHRs). (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://www.aafp.org/practice-management/health-it/product/intro.html
Americans Overwhelmingy Believe That EHRs Could Improve Their Health. (2008, June). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://www.markle.org/sites/default/files/ResearchBrief-200806.pdf
Wynia, M. K., Torres, G. W., & Lemieux, J. (2011, February). Many Physicians Are Willing To Use Patients’ Electronic Personal Health Records, But Doctors Differ By Location, Gender, And Practice. Health Affairs, 30(2), 266-273.
EHRs are about about quality, safety, and efficiency . Providers are improving their ability to make well-informed treatment decisions quickly and safely by having immediate access to patient records from inpatient and remote locations allowing for more coordinated, efficient care. In the ER, having quick access to a patients previous hospitalizations and other information can be a wonderful tool for patients with frequent emergencies or who are unconscious, uncooperative, or otherwise unable to provide the needed information. There is a streamlined workflow from interfacing with lab and special procedures, no longer having to wait on results to be phoned in or x-rays to be developed. In our unit, our x-ray machines are synced to out computers and the practioners can actually view the plate immediately after its shot. This is incredibly useful for UAC and ET tube placements during critical times. Clinical alerts, reminders, and medical information are flagged and easily viewed. We have the ability to view a complete record of a clinical patient encounter at the touch of a finger which can be a great asset in providing quality care. Healthcare costs are also contained and managed easier as complete documentation facilitates accurate coding and …show more content…
Some are comfortable with new technologies; others may be intimidated. In my perspective, IT developments in health care, not only improves patient care and outcomes but helps patients themselves to become more active in their care. As providers, it 's an important goal to keep both our professional and our patient 's perspective in mind as we transition with the main goal of improving the quality and safety of patient care.
Mosquera, M. (2011, September 20). AHRQ tests tool to identify, report health IT hazards. Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/ahrq-tests-tool-identify-and-report-health-it-hazards
How to Implement EHRs. (2013, April 5). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/ehr-implementation-steps
Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHRs). (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://www.aafp.org/practice-management/health-it/product/intro.html
Americans Overwhelmingy Believe That EHRs Could Improve Their Health. (2008, June). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from https://www.markle.org/sites/default/files/ResearchBrief-200806.pdf
Wynia, M. K., Torres, G. W., & Lemieux, J. (2011, February). Many Physicians Are Willing To Use Patients’ Electronic Personal Health Records, But Doctors Differ By Location, Gender, And Practice. Health Affairs, 30(2), 266-273.