The Pros And Cons Of EHR

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There are a few cons to the implementation of EHR. First and foremost is a financial matter: the up-front cost of the implementation and maintenance of an EHR is considerably expensive (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). One of the cons of the implementation of this system is the potential for “adverse effects on workflow” during the transitional period to electronic documentation (Inokuchi et al., 2014). It is likely that the process of teaching, learning, and transitioning over to an electronic system of documentation would be seen causing delays and disruptions in workflow, as well as a decrease in productivity in the earlier phases of implementation (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Another potential downfall of EHR is the possibility of a breach in patient confidentiality due to the increased ease of access to private patient records. The increase in accessibility to patient information within the EHR system could also increase the possibility of an accidental or inappropriate exposure of private patient information. Furthermore, it is possible that there could be a security breach in the system (i.e. if the electronic system is not properly secured) (Jamshed et al., 2015). While there are some cons to implementing and utilizing EHR’s, the pros of this system significantly outweigh these matters. EHR’s facilitate safer, more efficient, more effective healthcare services, and are reported to enhance overall patient care (King et al., 2014). They pose benefits to clinical outcomes (i.e. reduce errors, standardize quality care), organizational outcomes (i.e. financial benefits, operational performance increases), and societal outcomes (i.e. improved population health, reduction of healthcare costs) (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). EHR’s provide healthcare workers with clinical decision support, such as tools that are designed to reduce medical errors and increase quality healthcare. For example, these systems can flag and notify providers of potential patient issues (such as drug interactions, or allergies to medications), as well as provide up-to-date information about treatment/drug options (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). EHR’s further minimize medical errors (and increase safety) by aiding physicians in choosing and ordering appropriate tests for patients (King et al., 2014). EHR’s standardize quality healthcare practices by promoting “increased adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and effective care” within an easily accessible, up-to-date electronic system (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). …show more content…
They facilitate the provision of quality and recommended care to patients (King et al., 2014). EHR systems also lead to positive organizational outcomes. Financially, EHR systems can be seen enhancing revenue: patients and providers receive automated reminders regarding routine health visits, which can increase patient visits as well as revenue. EHR systems charge patients in an accurate and timely manner and can eliminate billing errors, which could be beneficial to cash flow. Additionally, the availability of EHR’s eliminate the need and costs to maintain paper files for patient information (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). The benefits of having an easily accessible electronic system that stores data, information, documentation, etc. is highly beneficial to healthcare workers and the services they provide. Operational performances increase with EHR systems as communication, documentation, and the process of writing physician orders are more efficient, clear, and easily accessible to healthcare workers (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). These efficiencies improve the quality and effectiveness of patient care provided, and reduces the risk of medical errors or additional healthcare expenses. Physicians that utilize EHR systems report job satisfaction, which is of high importance when considering health service provision to rural, underserved areas. Reports

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