Electronic Health Records - Essay Example

"Electronic Health Records" is a wonderful example of a paper on the health system. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) improves the accuracy of diagnoses and health outcomes which implies that patients are given better service (HealthIT.gov).  EHRs also improve care coordination and increase the patient’s involvement in their care (HealthIT.gov).  Physicians can better monitor their patients because they can access their patient’s medical records remotely (HealthIT.gov).

1. What are some ways it could harm care?

            EHRs may negatively impact patient care when electronic access to a patient’s record is not readily available especially during emergency cases.  Another way it can harm care is when a wrong patient record is retrieved because of a lack of validation in the identity of the patient (O'Reilly).

2. What skills will healthcare workers need to work with an EHR?

      The essential skills that healthcare workers need to have an effective EHR system include leadership and strong communication skills (Fenton, Giannangelo, and Stanfill).  They should also possess analytical and critical thinking skills.

3. What costs might it increase?

      The costs involved in the implementation of an EHR are the equipment and software programs and the regular maintenance and upgrades of the system.   Training of the users of the system will also entail an additional cost for hospitals and other medical providers.

4. What cost might it reduce the budget and save the hospital or physician office money?

      One cost-saving associated with EHRs is that it eliminates duplication of paperwork.  Less paperwork would mean that the staff in hospitals and doctors’ offices may be reduced. Since one area of EHRs is the use of electronic medical record billings, cash flows in hospitals will be better managed.  A more accurate billing system will lead to less error; thus, improved income for hospitals and doctors.

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