Electronic Health Record Benefits

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act promoted the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. This Act enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It encouraged the widespread use of electronic health records across the country; the largest in United States to date. The purpose of this paper will summarize the benefits of an Electronic Health Record. The three key functionalities of Electronic Health Records are computerized order entry systems, health information exchange and clinical decision support systems. Some benefits of an Electronic Health Records include: improved population health, improved quality, financial and operational benefits, the ability to conduct

Patient demographics, medications, progress notes, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, problems, radiology and laboratory data are amongst some of the information included in the record. Numerous errors have been eliminated due to the benefits of an Electronic Health Record system. Computerized physician order entry systems, clinical decision support system, and health information exchange have benefitted the implementation of Electronic Health Record systems, by showing reduction in costs and improving quality of care. These are the “meaningful use” criteria requirements set forth in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009.

First, a clinical decision support system provide assistance to the provider enabling him/her to make decisions. The clinical decision support system have several functions: to provide drug information, cross-reference patient 's allergies to medications, and ensures you verify current medications to prevent future drug interactions. With the continuous growth of medical expertise, these functions deliver a safer and a much higher quality of care. As more clinical decision support systems are used, the patient will receive the best

Next, you have computerized physician order entry systems. Over the past decade, physicians would annotate in the patient’s chart to order blood draws, urine analysis or physical therapy. With the benefit of an computerized physician order entry system, physicians can enter these orders right into the computer, without worrying if the order was missed from the paper chart. This system as well, eliminate the medical errors caused by poor penmanship. Additionally, it creates a more efficient way to process orders in a timely manner, rather than staff waiting on physicians to clarify illegible orders. Past studies propose that medication errors can be lessened by as much as 55% when a computerized physician order entry system is utilized alone, and by 83% when combined with a clinical decision support system that makes cautions in light of what the doctor orders. Using a computerized physician order entry system, particularly when it is connected to a clinical decision support, can result in improved efficiency and effectiveness of care. A more recent study shows the number of appropriate medication orders increases with the involvement of dosing frequency or dosing levels using a computerized