the ability to diagnose disease and reduce- even prevent- medical errors. (Levingston). Meaning that lives could be saved just by using Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Another reason online medical records are better than paper based records is in “Benefits of Electronic Health Records” stating “EHRs can expose potential safety problems when they occur, helping providers avoid more serious consequences for patients” (Levingston). Online medical records not only help keep information safe, but also alerts physicians of problems. Thus, 63% of both providers and patients reported fewer medication errors. (Levingston). Conclusively, online medical records are more beneficial in improving medical service.
EHRs, or Electronic Health Records, are often said to be “complicated” because it’s new technology.
This statement is false. According to the “Infographic EHR vs. Traditional Paper Records” written by Fred Pennic, EHRs have patient history in one easily accessible file. Unlike online medical records, paper based records have limited amount of accessibility due to location and office hours of a medical clinic. (Pennic). In addition, S.A. Livingston’s article “Benefits of Electronic Health Records (EHRs)” also states that 94% of providers report that their online medical records are readily available at point of care at any time. All this information proves just how easy it is to access and use EHRs. For instance, EHRs provide 24/7 access, on-the-go, to the providers or patients with internet access. (Pennic). The best part is, that online medical records are not only easy to access and use, but are also kept safely. “70% report [EHRs] enhances in data confidentially” (Levingston). Electronic health records will always be available, while also being kept …show more content…
safe.
Online medical records not only help patients in hospitals, but also lends a hand to the environment.
Author Fred Pennic in his article “Infographic EHRs vs. Traditional Paper Records” states that most physicians see about 50 to 99 patients a week. For each patient, about 10 to 13 pieces of paper are needed. That about 975 new pages each week just for one physician. (Pennic). Over time 1000s of tons of paper each year. As a result, this causes storage problems and environmental harm. (Pennic). In contrast, online medical records can save all this amount of paper, also saving millions of dollars a year! Thus, paper based records are difficult to place in one entire place. (Pennic). Meaning, papers can be lost, and more paper may be needed. Thankfully, EHRs are developing to our every
need.
Even though EHRs may be helpful, the expenses are over the top. In Nir Menachemi’s and Taleah H. Collum’s article “Benefits and Drawbacks of electronic health records systems” it states that a 7-year-long EHR installation us about $19 million. Also, EHR adoption and implementation costs include the purchase and installation of hardware and software, converting paper charts to electronic ones, and updating software on a regular basis. (Menachemi and Collum). Although the costs of EHRs may be high, it was proven in recent studies to drop dramatically due to more frequent purchases. (Menchemi and Collum). As a result, EHRs price drop makes them more available to other hospitals as well as medical clinics.
Electronic Health Records are better than paper based records because it improves the quality of medical service, it’s easy to access and use, and also helps the environment. EHRs allow family members to take better care of their loved ones. To provide better service for patients, EHRs should be implemented in every hospital.