Question

Give your opinion about the advantages and disadvantages of the EHR, remember that the technology has made it possible to access a patient's information in seconds through computer technology, however, this technology may be vulnerable in terms of privacy so the confidential information of the patients could be in danger. The format must be APA, give at least two references, one of them can be the textbook and the other within a 5-year span, a minimum of 150 words.

Answer 1

Advantages:

The utilization of EHR systems has shown an increase in provider adherence specifically in preventive services, such as vaccine administration. For example, researchers found that computerized physician reminders increased the use of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations from practically 0% to 35% and 50%, respectively, for hospitalized patients .

Adhering to these guidelines keeps individuals healthy and provides optimal patient care. There has been a significant association between computerized reminders and pressure ulcer prevention in hospitalized patients. Another study found that computerized reminders as part of a CDS have been linked to an 11.3% increase in hypertension treatment in a primary care setting. Efficiency is the appropriate use of health care through the avoidance of wasting resources, such as redundant diagnostic testing. Evidence indicates that there is a significant association between a decrease in redundant diagnostic testing and the use of an EHR and/or its components. Studies have shown through the use of EHRs an 18% decrease in tests ordered for medical visits in the emergency department, a 27% decrease in redundant laboratory tests of antiepileptic medication levels in hospitalized patients, and a 24% reduction in redundant laboratory tests in a hospital. Studies focusing on patient safety have frequently examined the effect of EHR components on medical or medication errors. In a widely cited study, experts found that a CPOE system was associated with a 55% reduction in serious medication errors in the hospital setting.

Disadvantages:

There are several concerns, which include workflow, temporary loss of productivity associated with EHR adoption, privacy and security concerns. In a 2002 study conducted in a 280-bed acute care hospital, the projected total cost for a 7-year-long EHR installation project was approximately US$19 million. In the outpatient setting, it is estimated an average initial cost of US$50,000–US$70,000 per physician for a three-physician office.

In addition to implementation, maintenance and continual upgrades to software and training of providers can also be costly. According to one study conducted on 14 solo or small-group primary care practices, estimated ongoing EHR maintenance costs averaged US$8412 per FTE provider per year. Another potential challenge with the implementation of EHR’s is the disruption of work-flows for medical staff and providers. One study involving several internal medicine clinics estimated a productivity loss of 20% in the first month, 10% in the second month, and 5% in the third month, with productivity subsequently returning to its original levels. A further concern of EHRs is the risk for patient violations, due to the increased amount of electronic medical information exchanged over health information systems. Although several measures have been implemented to secure medical information, such as an audit function that allows system operators to identify each individual who accessed every aspect of a given medical record, no system is fully secure.

References: Upadhyay, S., & Hu, H. F. (2020). Clinicians' Lived Experiences on Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on Quality and Safety. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2020, No. 1, p. 12928). Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510: Academy of Management.

Salas, E. (2005). The brave new world of eHR: Human resources in the digital age (Vol. 17). John Wiley & Sons.