Why Electronic Health Records Are So Important

As time goes on, the cost of healthcare continues to rise. It’s become increasingly important to find ways to cut costs, yet still, ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care possible. One of the most effective ways that health facilities have discovered to do this is by switching over to electronic health records (EHR). This article will take you through some of the reasons why EHRs are so beneficial and will discuss why they have become an essential part of the healthcare industry.

Reduce Errors

One of the biggest advantages of electronic health records (EHRs) is their ability to help doctors, nurses and other medical staff avoid mistakes. In one study, hospitals using EHRs had an average of 2.3 times fewer medication errors than facilities that still used paper charts. That’s significant: a recent Johns Hopkins University study found that even a single hospital-acquired infection may be enough to result in death or permanent disability for as many as 1 in 5 patients who contract it. It’s not just prescription drugs either; another study showed that EHRs reduced adverse events related to lab tests by more than 50%. This includes preventable issues like mislabeled samples and incorrect results. While it’s true that EHR systems aren’t perfect, they do make things safer for everyone involved.

Automate Tracking Tools

Medical staff relies on these tools to track patient records, medications, and procedures. EHRs are a great way to keep everything organized, which in turn makes it easier for doctors and nurses to efficiently treat patients. However, as technology advances and medical facilities become more reliant on electronic health records, there’s also an increased risk of cyberattacks. In fact, one survey found that 43 percent of hospitals reported being victims of cyberattacks over a 12-month period. These attacks can be devastating; some have caused massive data breaches resulting in thousands of patient records being compromised.

Save Time and Money with EHR

An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital database of patient medical history. It allows healthcare professionals to efficiently access information on previous diagnoses, treatments, and symptoms that have been recorded by past physicians. Keeping all of your medical records in one place has several benefits, including reduced time spent searching for information and decreased paperwork. In fact, EHR systems have been proven to cut costs associated with claims processing as well as reduce healthcare errors. While many hospitals have already adopted these systems, other facilities are hesitant due to reported cost implications and privacy concerns. However, there are ways to implement an EHR system without breaking your budget or compromising your patients’ confidentiality. Read more below!

Improve Patient Care & Satisfaction

The main reason why medical facilities implement electronic health records (EHRs) is to improve patient care and satisfaction. Research shows that EHRs can greatly benefit patients by streamlining their treatment, saving them time, and giving them access to a plethora of information about their healthcare. These benefits help not only patients but also their providers, as a patient who feels fully informed is more likely to comply with his or her doctor’s orders. As a result, overall healthcare costs are reduced and provider efficiency is increased.