The extensive use of devices like all-in-one computers and medical tablets has re-shaped the way certain industries operate. The medical profession has seen startling shifts when it comes to patient care and treatment due to the use of these devices. The genesis of these changes comes as a result of several factors. Beyond the immediate accessibility of hardware, certain improvements like electronic medical records (EMR) have drastically contributed to the changes that have moved through the medical profession over recent years. Essentially, an electronic medical record is the electronic equivalent of a patient's medical chart. Within the electronic medical record, a patient's case history can be accessed by every medical service provider that he comes across for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Let's take a look at some examples on how electronic medical records have changed the very face of healthcare.
Reducing Errors in Record Keeping
Before electronic medical records came into the picture, the management of a patient's case history had to be handled using manual methods. This inevitably meant amassing a voluminous amount of records that could not easily be stored in a single location for the purpose of easy access. This system exposed medical records to the vagaries of human error. Some of the common errors that were present in the previous system of handling records included misspellings, conflicting terminology, and illegible handwriting. The use of electronic medical health records has significantly reduced (if not eliminated) the mistakes brought about by human error. As the use of electronic medical records becomes more widespread, it won't be long before medical practitioners get to standardize the way a patient's health record is managed.
Managing Loss of Data
A significant difference between the physical copies of a patient's health record and an electronic medical record is the susceptibility to data loss of physical patient records. The chance of a possible loss of physical records is considerable when you begin to take into account the hazards that are brought by natural disasters. Instances of hospital records being compromised in the wake of floods, earthquakes, and fires are numerous. On the other hand, electronic medical records can be stored forever without being exposed to the threat of natural disasters. Vital bits of data that patients tend to forget overtime (like previous illnesses and medications taken) can be easily recalled by bringing up electronic medical records.
Consolidating Information
Storing physical copies of a patient's health record is taxing due to their sheer volume. It is virtually impossible for healthcare administrators to store these records in a single physical location. The practice when it comes to managing physical copies of health records would be to store them in different locations. The attempt to access these records required administrators to invest a significant amount of time and money. The ability of electronic medical records to consolidate data in a single place has eliminated the need for administrators to invest valuable resources just to track them down. The use of EMRs also enables healthcare practitioners to implement a consistent sense of continuity when it comes to patient care. Treating a patient after they have been discharged from a hospital becomes easier through the use of electronic medical records. Implementing the use of electronic medical records can translate to a significant increase in managing patient follow ups and implementing action plans post discharge.
Improving Quality of Healthcare
Electronic medical health records increase a physician's ability to track patient data over a period of time. This feature is a great boon for patients who are dealing with heart conditions or diabetes. These specific cases run the risk of collapsing and having attacks during inopportune moments. Tracking and identifying patient data allows physicians to respond to emergency cases faster and increases their ability to save a patient's life.
The Cybernet Advantage
The use of electronic medical health records drastically improves the quality of patient care within the medical practice. The effective implementation of electronic medical health records requires hospital administrators to purchase devices that respond to emerging professional needs. Cybernet manufactures devices like medical tablets and all-in-one computers that are compatible with a host of Electronic Medical Records software. The effective use of these devices will determine how quickly the modern day healthcare practitioner can easily adapt to the demands of a fast paced profession. Contact our team today to explore how our products can support EMR implementation efforts.