Page 5 - Part 2 Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

SVMIC Navigating Electronic Media in a Healthcare Setting

PART TWO

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

It would be impossible to overemphasize the importance of
maintaining complete and accurate medical records. Proper

utilization of an EHR can help achieve such complete and accurate
medical records as well as promote patient safety, improve

accessibility of information and enhance continuity of care. Further,

in the event of a malpractice lawsuit, the medical record will be the
most important piece of physical evidence.

EHRs create the opportunity for patients to receive improved
coordinated care from providers and have easier access to their

health information. They also make it easier for everyone to be
better informed and more involved in the patient’s healthcare.

Information about a patient’s medications will be available in EHRs
so that healthcare providers avoid medicine errors. EHRs are

backed up like most computer systems, so if a patient lives in an

area affected by a disaster, such as a hurricane, a patient’s health
information can be retrieved. EHRs are available in an emergency.

If a patient is in an accident and is unable to communicate his or

her medical history, a hospital that has an electronic system may
be able to access the patient’s primary care physician’s EHR. The

hospital will get information, medications, health issues and tests;
so, decisions about emergency care are faster and more informed.

Physicians using EHRs may find it easier or faster to track lab

results and share progress with a patient. If the EHR system can
share information, one physician can see test results from another

physician, so a test doesn’t always have to be repeated. Especially
with X-rays and certain lab tests, this means the exposure to or

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