Analysis Of Electronic Health Record Systems

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Electronic Health Record Systems are rapidly changing the health care industry from a paper-based system to an automated system. These repositories of digitally stored healthcare information allow for more continuity of care by all providers having the ability to access an individual’s health record. The trends and issues in healthcare from the standpoint of managing patient information touch on areas such as medicine, management, and legal and information technology. With the healthcare industry advancing toward electronic records, there will be a high demand for professionals who can manage the automation of patient information and ensure its security. An assessment of environmental factors, both internal and external, that will affect the continued rollout of Electronic Health Record Systems is necessary for effective planning.
Electronic Health Record Systems store a record of patient health information that can be generated and updated by one or more encounters in the healthcare setting. These systems contain a patient’s progress notes, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, lab results and radiology reports, in other words, a complete view of the patient rather than sifting through voluminous paper records.
Political factors have large impacts on the EHR implementation. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Affordable Care Act are two political factors that are attempting to improve the financial viability of healthcare organizations while improving the quality and safety of care for patients nationwide.
According to CCHIT.org (2013), in mid-2009, certified EHR products represented over 75% of the marketplace. Congress saw the value of such products and acknowledged their...

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...g curve for the users of these system and as we all know with technology, there can be frustrating glitches in the system. However, reverting to paper-based records is taking steps backward, not forward.
Scanning the environment of Electronic Health Record Systems ensures that management has a clear understanding of the issues and trends facing complex healthcare settings. It is a daunting challenge to review all of these factors in order to manage the successful implementation of these systems as it involves many different areas within the organization or clinical setting working together to make sure caregivers are adequately trained on the EHR Systems and the organization is in compliance with regulatory standards. Success comes from a clear understanding of all of the factors and figuring out effective ways to stay ahead of the game.

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