It should come as no surprise that the digital age has plenty of application for the handling and disseminating of patients' records. From simply storing information in computers about individual patients, to sharing that information with others through closed networks or through the internet, there are many ways that the storage of patient information using computers and networks may impact a patient's care.
Digital record keeping is a form of Health Information Technology or Health IT. It is the domain of those who work on digitizing the records of patients across the country.
The United States federal government has identified the need for creation of a standardized record system for all patients in America as a priority, citing the potential for fewer medical errors and deaths as the main reason. Unfortunately, the hurdles of implementation costs and lack of agreement as to what form that standardization needs to take have stood in the way of adoption.
Electronic record keeping isn't even the norm yet across the US. Privacy and security concerns, the lack of collaboration, and the cost of implementation have delayed more widespread use. It is being adopted more and more, and may or may not be available where you live.
An empowered patient understands the benefits and possible drawbacks of these systems, and their potential impact on his or her health. She understands what EMRs, PHRs, and hybrid systems are, and uses that knowledge to improve her navigation through the healthcare system.
Learn More:
- What is an EMR (Electronic Medical Record)?
- What is a PHR (Personal Health Record)?
- What is an EMR / PHR Hybrid System?
- The History of EMRs and PHRs
- The Benefits of Using Electronic Medical Records or Personal Health Records
- What Records are Kept in an EMR or PHR?
- A Lack of Standards Limit the Use of Electronic Medical Record Keeping Systems
- Limitations of the Use of Electronic Medical Records Due to Privacy and Security Concerns
