EHRs are useful in modernized systems of patient care and deficient hindrances associated with their integration. These systems enhance the flow of patient information so as to allow the health care givers to make quicker and better decisions. By having digital records centrally located, inter-organizational departments ‘talk’ with each other reducing the confusion resulting from misplaced or inaccurate data. Consequently, there is improvement in the management and effective delivery of patient care in the health facilities.
Analyzing different opinions reveals that the use of EHRs has the potential of enhancing coordination of healthcare teams. A practitioner can check the patient’s medical record, laboratory tests, and a treatment plan at once. It also avoids repetition on several tests and makes it easier for the next doctor who will handle the patient, especially those who have diseases that require long treatment and monitoring.
EHRs also enhance patient involvement by allowing people to access their records. Patients can easily access their test reports, assessment of their conditions, records of the treatments they undergo, and even have online communication with their healthcare providers. This makes people trust the best and makes them assume more responsibility for their health by taking an active part in the process.
Nonetheless, EHR implementation is associated with several challenges. High costs and data security issues, along with the requirements for consistent training, pose challenges to many institutions. In another instance, when paper-based systems are replaced by electronic systems, such changes may disrupt workflow and cause congestion which makes it difficult for health officers and the support staff to enjoy their work at the initial stages.
Technology is another important aspect, and it is equally important to blend it with personal relations. Technology usage in healthcare may hamper direct, genuine interaction between the patients and the providers. To build the intended value of EHR systems, healthcare organizations need to invest in better designs, better security, and user education. As the development of EHRs evolves, it becomes paramount to address these challenges so that these systems have a way of rendering positive long-term impacts to patients’ care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of EHR in the delivery of health care services enhances the provision of efficient, competent, and patient-centered delivery of health care services. There are however several challenges that face such a move; costing, security and disruption of overall work flow though can be countered. Thus, EHRs can be used to benefit care delivery and contribute to the improvement of patients’ long-term health outcomes only if healthcare systems pay due attention to usability and offer constant staff training.
