Electronic Health Record

Electronic Health Records

Abstract

Although hospitals have been slowly converting to Electronic Health Record (EHR) for several years, is proof that the technology is available for EHR implementation at all medical facilities nationwide. However, there are several barriers and obstacles that must be overcome before EHR can be successfully implemented. The greatest challenge is getting the medical profession to switch from paper or manual record-keeping to a national computerized system that will save money, reduce errors, improve quality and transform health care. President Barack Obama has proposed investing $50 billion over the next five years to speed up the process. Therefore, an EHR strategy needs to be developed prior to embarking on the EHR implementation, focusing on the people and the processes involved in delivering the most efficient and effective healthcare service to all Americans.

Introduction

Paper based health records are still by far the predominant method of recording patient information for most hospitals and medical facilities in the United States. The majority of doctors still feel very comfortable with their ease of data entry and low cost. However, the advantage of an electronic health record system significantly outweighs the paper based health records system. For example, paper health records require a significant amount of storage space compared to digital records. When paper records are stored in different locations, collating them to a single location for review by a health care provider is time consuming and complicated, whereas the process can be simplified with electronic health records. In addition, when paper-based records are required in multiple locations, copying, faxing, and transporting costs can be very significant compared to duplication and transfer of digital records. Because of the many benefits that electronic health records...