An electronic medical record (EMR) is a computerized medical record created by healthcare organizations to replace paper-based records. EMRs provide immediate access to patient information, integrate data from multiple sources, and offer decision support tools. While EMRs improve aspects of care, their adoption faces challenges related to technical issues, compatibility between systems, and maintaining privacy and security of health information. As healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, further development of EMRs can help increase efficiency and quality of patient care.

1. ELECTRONICMEDICAL RECORDSCOMMUNICATION FOR HEALTH CAREOF THE FUTURE

2. WHAT IS AN EMR?Q An electronic medical record (EMR) is a computerized medical record created in an organization that delivers care, such as a hospital, clinic, or a doctor’s office. Electronic medical records tend to be a part of a local stand-alone health information system that allows storage, retrieval and modification of records.

3. BENEFITSImmediate access to patient’s key information

4. Replaces paper based medical records which:

5. Can be incomplete (Different parts in different places)

6. Hard to read

7. Hard to find

8. Requires less space

9. Offers support for education

10. Provides ability to respond quickly to reporting requirements

11. May enter and store orders which reduces duplication and improve the speed of execution

12. FEATURESDocumentation tools for entire health care team

13. Ability to integrate data from multiple sources

14. Remote access

15. Patient portal to appropriate sections of EMR

16. Decision support such as reminders, prompts, and alerts

17. Links to educational information for health care team and patientPOLICY & PROCEDURESDevelop standards for electronic authentication of EMR entries and electronic signatures

18. Procedures for accurate transmission of information

19. Policy for approved encryption to prevent unauthorized access

20. Well defined user roles and access levels including enforcement of strong login passwordsCHALLENGESElectronic technical issues

21. Server down time

22. Electricity interruptions

23. Adequately maintain confidentiality and HIPPA compliance

24. Incompatibility between systems

25. Provision of a back-up system

26. DurabilityIMPROVEMENTSLess maintenance

27. More cost effective

28. Links to reference material

29. Increased ease of use

30. Improve compatibility between programsCONCLUSIONOur health system is changing rapidly. Tools must be considered to increase efficiency, productivity, and revenue. The transition from paper to Electronic Medical Records will be a substantial improvement.