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 conventional method, less physical space is required for EMRs. This translates into huge savings for the healthcare centre involved. Other than the cost, digital information is also less cumbersome to store. With the legal requirement that records should be stored for at least five years, the paper work may become a nuisance in some cases.
Another benefit realised by users of these programs is the ease of replicating records. This is usually necessary when the documents are needed by different people at the same time. Whereas it is necessary to make photocopies and fax paper documents, all that is required for the digital data are the email addresses of the different recipients.
There are a number of technical standards used by modern EMR systems. HL-7 is a format for messages that are interchanged between various systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) refers to the transaction protocols that help in transmission of claims and billing. DICOM is a system used in representing radiological images across networks. Others include CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom all with various uses.
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.
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 conventional method, less physical space is required for EMRs. This translates into huge savings for the healthcare centre involved. Other than the cost, digital information is also less cumbersome to store. With the legal requirement that records should be stored for at least five years, the paper work may become a nuisance in some cases.
Another benefit realised by users of these programs is the ease of replicating records. This is usually necessary when the documents are needed by different people at the same time. Whereas it is necessary to make photocopies and fax paper documents, all that is required for the digital data are the email addresses of the different recipients.
There are a number of technical standards used by modern EMR systems. HL-7 is a format for messages that are interchanged between various systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) refers to the transaction protocols that help in transmission of claims and billing. DICOM is a system used in representing radiological images across networks. Others include CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom all with various uses.
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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