Question

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of electronic patient records compared to hard copy records?

Answer 1

Electronic patient records are organized and systematic collection of patient's data and related medical records to ensure timely and hassel free care to the patients.

This may consist of several records like:

A) Admission, transfer, and discharge records: This facilitates unified tracking of the patient throughout the hospital and enables the staff to identify the patient if the details are recorded.

B)Clinical Records: This refers to the data like lab details, test and diagnostic procedure results which enables the clinicians to store and refer for information easily.

C) Computerized entry of clinical orders: This facility replaces the traditional method of entering physician orders on the paper to avoid mistakes.

Advantages

1) It saves time, creates enough storage space.

2)It is easily accessible and can be safely stored.

3)These are easily readable and accurate so there is less confusion.

4)Information retrieval is almost immediate

5)Record is continuously updated

6)Record can automatically provide medical alerts and reminders

7)Customized views of information for specialists

8)Less charting time and fewer charting errors

9)More accurate billing information

Disadvantages

High startup costs

Substantial learning curve

Confidentiality and security issues

Lack of standardized terminology, system architecture, and indexing.

Hard copy records

It is the traditional method of writing on the paper about the details of the patient.

Advantages

1) Simplicity: It is easy to use as it is not possible for everyone to understand computers and might find it difficult to use them.

2)Accessibility: Information documented can be placed in a card holder with the patient so it would be easy to access the details rather than running towards the system to know details about the patient.

3)Security: Papers can be filed and locked safely .There can also be a limit to can actually access the papers.

Disadvantage

1)They can be incomplete as they can be dispersed within different medical facilities.

2)Inefficient and waste of type in writing reports.

3)Medical errors are common due to illegible writing.

4)Waste of paper is an environmental concern.