Information Technology in the Clinical Setting, Essay Example

Describe key attributes of electronic health record systems and their influence on patient safety and quality care.

The key attributes of electronic health records encompass a system containing data collection mechanisms. Data collected pertain to pateints’ diagnoses, treatment, billing, providers, insurance coverage and all other information required for efficient execution of patient care. Electronic means that all data is stored in a computerized database. An electronic health record system replaces paper with just a click from a computer mouse. Precisely, one of the main attributes relates to its data storage features (Cherry & Jacob, 2014).

Explain meaningful use criteria as applicable to electronic health records.

Meaningful used criteria pertain to features within the system that are compatible with standard regulations (as established by US authorities) in electronic record function. They include improvement in patient care coordination; reduction in obvious healthcare disparities; engagement of pateints and their families in planning and execution of care; improvement in public and population health delivery and enhancing privacy and security of patient information (Dunlop, 2007).

How can data from the EHR be used to improve healthcare

Data from the electronic health record system can be used to improve health care in many ways. Importantly it is a more efficient method for storing pateints’ records than paper. For example, some doctors hand writing may be ineligible and nurses, pharmacists and technicians could misinterpret instructions due to the handwriting. When electronic health records are used there are no hand writing discrepancies because all data are transferred via a computerized technology. Therefore, it reduces the incidences of medical errors.

Again it saves time instructions do not have to be related by phone or papers taken to various departments, everything is programed in the computer from which technicians, nurses, other health care providers access pateints’ data. As such, patient care is improved because there is more time for essential tasks to be performed in execution of interventions.

References

Cherry, B. & Jacob, S. (2014). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends & management (6th ed.). St. Luis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

Dunlop, L. (2007). Electronic Health Records: Interoperability Challenges and Patient’s Right for Privacy. Shidler Journal of Computer and Technology 3:16.