Electronic medical record software (EMR software) is a set of programs that manage patient records. They are used in the storage, retrieval and modification of patient data. The programs have been introduced to solve the problems associated with paper based systems. There are many different types being used to address the wide variety of clinical specialties such as cardiology, ophthalmology, paediatrics, neurology, family medicine and psychiatry among others.
EMRs have both advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Increased efficiency in storage, modification and retrieval of data is one of the biggest advantages. When data is stored digitally, it is far easier to retrieve as opposed to that which is stored in paper form. The legal requirement that medical records must be stored for a given number of years is a big challenge for many healthcare centres.
Compared to the paper based systems, EMRs require comparatively less storage space. This greatly helps to cut down on costs that go into physical facilities for storage. Healthcare centers that use the traditional form of storage limit themselves to between 5 and 10 years. Digital systems, on the other hand, can store records for much longer than this.
The programs have made it easier to replicate patient information when this information is required in different locations at the same time. While paper based documents need to be photocopied and faxed or physically transported the digital ones can simply be emailed. Not only is this cheaper and convenient, but also allows for changes to be made should there be such a need.
A number of standards have been developed to be used by the different operating systems that run EMR programs. HL-7 is a format of messages interchanged between different EMR systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) helps with the transmission of claims and bills from patients that have been treated. DICOM is another standard used to represent radiological images such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans and X-rays. Other standards are the CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom.
The EMRs do come with a number of downsides. For instance, they allow a large number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to access patient information and this may compromise confidentiality. Another area for concern is a reduction in the attention given to the patient. The programs do a considerable amount of the work such that the doctor has very little time for the patient which may result in reduced quality of care. Others are high costs and requirement for training.
There have been several improvements over times as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. A number of centres have incorporated them in their clinical procedures and this has contributed significantly to improved patient care. Due to linkage with the internet, research work has been greatly boosted. The researchers are given authorisation to access this data and can do so anywhere.
EMRs have both advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Increased efficiency in storage, modification and retrieval of data is one of the biggest advantages. When data is stored digitally, it is far easier to retrieve as opposed to that which is stored in paper form. The legal requirement that medical records must be stored for a given number of years is a big challenge for many healthcare centres.
Compared to the paper based systems, EMRs require comparatively less storage space. This greatly helps to cut down on costs that go into physical facilities for storage. Healthcare centers that use the traditional form of storage limit themselves to between 5 and 10 years. Digital systems, on the other hand, can store records for much longer than this.
The programs have made it easier to replicate patient information when this information is required in different locations at the same time. While paper based documents need to be photocopied and faxed or physically transported the digital ones can simply be emailed. Not only is this cheaper and convenient, but also allows for changes to be made should there be such a need.
A number of standards have been developed to be used by the different operating systems that run EMR programs. HL-7 is a format of messages interchanged between different EMR systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) helps with the transmission of claims and bills from patients that have been treated. DICOM is another standard used to represent radiological images such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans and X-rays. Other standards are the CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom.
The EMRs do come with a number of downsides. For instance, they allow a large number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to access patient information and this may compromise confidentiality. Another area for concern is a reduction in the attention given to the patient. The programs do a considerable amount of the work such that the doctor has very little time for the patient which may result in reduced quality of care. Others are high costs and requirement for training.
There have been several improvements over times as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. A number of centres have incorporated them in their clinical procedures and this has contributed significantly to improved patient care. Due to linkage with the internet, research work has been greatly boosted. The researchers are given authorisation to access this data and can do so anywhere.
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