An EMR or Electronic Medical Record is a computerized version of a patient's medical record that replaces the traditional paper chart. It contains the same types of information as a physical chart such as patient demographics, medical history, medications, and insurance information, but stores it digitally, allowing multiple providers to access it simultaneously. While EMRs provide benefits like increased accessibility of patient information and continuity of care, they also present challenges to implement including technical issues, training staff, and usability problems. Overall though, EMRs are helping to reduce medical errors and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery compared to paper record systems.

1. Electronic Medical Record (EMR)Michael SimmonsGovernors State University

2. What is an EMR?EMR or Electronic Medical Record is a computerized medical record It replaces the standard physical paper chartIt has the same sections as a physical chart & more but is stored on the computerMore than one person can access the EMR at a time

3. Use of EMRAll documentation in relation to the patientStorage and accessibility of clients healthcare historyElectronic medication administration recordStandard vocabulary & communication Patient demographics & insurance

4. EMR policyPassword privacyEMR client privacy & need to knowTimely & accurate data entry Staying on trusted networksAppropriate use of remote access

5. Challenges of EMRDifficult to use programTechnical failureCost to train staff to EMRLengthy time to access EMRToo many templates, not enough narrative notesLost password

6. EMR ImprovementsWorld wide facility-to-facility accessibilityFrequent user friendly upgradesInterfacing support & reference softwareImprove affordability for smaller facilities

7. Thing of the pastPaper chartsIllegible hand writingTranscription errorsWaiting to document

8. ConclusionEMR has created a higher continuity of care benefiting the clientQuick & easy access of pertinent medical historyDecrease in medical errorsMultiple provider access of 1 EMRLegible documentation for reimbursement & judicial proceedings

9. ReferenceMSU Health Care Team, 2011, MSU EMR Home page, retrieved April 26, 201 from www.emr.msu.eduSewell,Jeanne P,Thede,Linda Q.(2010) Informatics and Nursing:competenciesand applications. Basic electronic healthcare information systems. p336,New York,NY, Wolter Kluwer.