What is an electronic health record?
An electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centred records that provide information instantly and securely to authorised users. While an EHR contains medical and treatment histories, it is built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office, offering a broader view of the patient’s care. EHRs are a vital part of health IT and can:
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Contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunisation dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results
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Allow access to evidence-based tools for providers to make informed decisions about a patient’s care
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Automate and streamline provider workflows
One of the key features of an EHR is that health information can be created and managed by authorised providers in a digital format capable of being shared with other providers across more than one healthcare organisation. EHRs are designed to share information with other healthcare providers and organisations – such as laboratories, specialists, medical imaging facilities, pharmacies, emergency departments, and school and workplace clinics – so they containing data from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care.
What are the advantages of electronic health records?
EHRs and the ability to exchange health information electronically help provide higher-quality, safer care for patients while creating tangible improvements for your organisation. EHRs help providers manage patient care more effectively and improve healthcare by:
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Providing accurate, up-to-date, and complete information about patients at the point of care
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Enabling quick access to patient records for more coordinated, efficient care
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Securely sharing electronic information with patients and other clinicians
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Helping providers diagnose patients, reduce medical errors, and provide safer care more effectively
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Improving interaction and communication between patients and providers, as well as health care convenience
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Enabling safer, more reliable prescribing
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Helping promote legible, complete documentation and accurate, streamlined coding and billing
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Helping providers improve productivity and work-life balance
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Reducing costs by decreasing paperwork, improving safety, reducing duplication of testing, and improving health.
What information does an electronic health record contain?
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Administrative and billing data
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Patient demographics
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Progress notes
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Vital signs
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Medical histories
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Diagnoses
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Medications
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Immunisation dates
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Allergies
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Radiology images
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Lab and test results
An EHR is more than just a computerised version of a paper chart in a provider’s office. It’s a digital record that provides comprehensive health information about your patients. EHR systems are built to share information with other health care providers and organizations – such as laboratories, specialists, medical imaging facilities, pharmacies, emergency facilities, and school and workplace clinics – so they contain information from all clinicians involved in a patient’s care.
