Electronic Health Record Analysis

Introduction Technology is always out there and improving. Many hospitals and practices have electronic health records. Electronic records make it easier for a patient to access their own records and to increase the quality of care for a person and their safety (Sittig & Singh, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to address electronic health records and the different steps a facility goes through to obtain an electronic health record

Description of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) An electronic health record (EHR) is an electronic version of a patient’s medical record (CMS.gov, 2017). This will include health history, vitals, progress notes, medications, labs, and radiology reports. In 2009, the Obama Administration signed into legislation

The first step is assessing your practice’s readiness. Start an evaluation of your current practice and its goals, needs, and financial and technical readiness. With a perspective of the facilities level of readiness, the facility can outline a usage plan that meets the particular needs of the facility. Second, plan an approach by drawing an outline of the practice's EHR implementation plan from the gathered information during step one. Third step is buying an EHR program, which must be a certified program. Step four is installation and related activities of the EHR. Numerous tests and mock trials will be completed during this phase. There should also be a privacy and security risk management mitigation plan (HealthIT.gov, 2013). The last step of the EHR is to make sure that it successfully meets the meaningful use of EHRs, and reassessing what the facility has gained from preparing and regular operation of the framework. Step six is continuing quality improvement; this step is an ongoing and continuous process in order to evaluate the facility and their EHRs and see what needs to be done in order to better meet the goals of the facility (HealthIT.gov, 2013). During this stage the facility will continue to evaluate practice goals and improve workflow (HealthIT.gov, 2013). Where I work we use an EHR. According to an IT specialist at Ohio Health Mansfield, Mansfield joined the meaningful use in 2011. They were in step one for two years and step two for two years which ended September 31, 2015. The system the hospital had prior already had an electronic system, so the transition was not that difficult. During step four, Ohio Health Mansfield had classes for staffing to attend and also have information online to complete about the system. The hospital has met steps one through five, and is currently in the process of step six. Information