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.
EMR programs are associated with various advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the most important of these is increased efficiency in the storage and retrieval of records. Compared to paper documents, digital information is easier to access and modify. This kind of efficiency becomes necessary when specific information is to be retrieved from a large volume of stored records in an emergency setting.
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.
Several standards have been designed to be used by operating systems that run the programs. HL-7 is a message format that facilitates interchange of information between different users. The standard ANSIX12 (EDI) is a protocol for transmission of bills and insurance claims. DICOM helps in the sending and receiving of radiological images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI among others. Others include CEN-EHRcom and CEN-HISA.
Although EMRs are associated with many benefits, there are a number of disadvantages that have discouraged widespread adoption. One of them is loss of confidentiality. These records are easily accessible with anyone who has the authorised username or password. Reduced doctor-patient contact is another area for concern. The use of programs to run a significant amount of clinical work gets in the way of this relationship and may lead to reduced quality of care. Others include the requirement for training and the high initial costs.
Improvements continue to be made as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. In some centres, the programs are being adopted for use in monitoring clinical procedures. Other than just storing, they are also being used to analyze patient data so as to detect any possible adverse effects. This can help physicians institute more timely interventions. Another important development is linkage to the internet which has made access by healthcare providers even easier.
EMR programs are associated with various advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the most important of these is increased efficiency in the storage and retrieval of records. Compared to paper documents, digital information is easier to access and modify. This kind of efficiency becomes necessary when specific information is to be retrieved from a large volume of stored records in an emergency setting.
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.
Several standards have been designed to be used by operating systems that run the programs. HL-7 is a message format that facilitates interchange of information between different users. The standard ANSIX12 (EDI) is a protocol for transmission of bills and insurance claims. DICOM helps in the sending and receiving of radiological images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI among others. Others include CEN-EHRcom and CEN-HISA.
Although EMRs are associated with many benefits, there are a number of disadvantages that have discouraged widespread adoption. One of them is loss of confidentiality. These records are easily accessible with anyone who has the authorised username or password. Reduced doctor-patient contact is another area for concern. The use of programs to run a significant amount of clinical work gets in the way of this relationship and may lead to reduced quality of care. Others include the requirement for training and the high initial costs.
Improvements continue to be made as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. In some centres, the programs are being adopted for use in monitoring clinical procedures. Other than just storing, they are also being used to analyze patient data so as to detect any possible adverse effects. This can help physicians institute more timely interventions. Another important development is linkage to the internet which has made access by healthcare providers even easier.
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