Question

explain the Benefits of electronic health records that supports quality outcomes

Answer 1

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS(EHR) .

Electronic Health Records have had a positive effect on patient care and the work lives of family physicians. Over the past few decades our medical knowledge has increased. More investigative and treatment options are available; as a result our patients are living longer and we are dealing with more chronic conditions. Family physicians cannot "know all things " nor can we be " all things to all patients ". To adequately address our patients complex needs, we need good sources of information and good relationships, including access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals and other specialists.

ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS.

  EHRs and the ability to exchange health information electronically can help you provide higher quality and safer care for patients while creating tangible enhancements for your organisation. EHR help providers better manage care for patients and provide better health care by:  

# Providing accurate, up-to-date, and complete information .

EMR (ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS)technology gives health care providers information in formats that were not possible with paper charts. Primary care providers can now view and print graphs of values such as weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, tracking changes over time. The EMR improves attainment of chronic disease management, prevention and screening strategies, as shown in studies that demonstrated improved quality measures.

# Improved relationships.

The EMR improves communication and relationships between physicians and their multidisciplinary team members. Chart summaries, medical notes and consultation letter templates provide consultants and various team members with legible, structured information. The prescriptions are in a clear and structured format, which reduces medical errors in prescribing.

# Clinical decision support.

An EMR system can provide access to approved medical websites with the latest medical research to help medical decision making.

# Patient support.

Some EMR programs allow patients to access their medical records and request appointments. These programs also offer patient education on health topics and instructions on preparing for common medical tests, such as HDL cholesterol tests.

# Automated alerts and reminders.

The system can provide the staff with medical alerts and reminders to ensure that patients are scheduled for regular screening and other preventive practices.

# Error reduction.

It can reduce medical errors that results from illegible chart notes, since notes are entered electronically on a computer.

# Administration and reporting.

EMR may include administrative tools, including reporting systems that enable facilities and medical practices to comply with federal and state reporting requirements.

# Improved diagnostic and patient outcomes.

Patient outcomes includes,

* Patient's values

* Patient's expectations

* Individual clinical expertise

* Best available clinical evidence.

# More accurate billing.

EHRs can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their medical billing. Data can travel more quickly between their insurance carrier and the physician.

*** A national survey of physicians reported, :

* 75% of doctor's believe one key benefit from EHR technology includes better patient care delivery.

* 88% of polled doctor's suggest an EMR yields real clinical benefit for their practice.

* 94% said easy access to records at the point of care was a clear benefit of EHR software.