Include intro, a currently emerging healthcare technology system, goals for the product, data supporting the product, healthcare settings (including education), conclusion. You should carry out an investigation about one of the technologies used in Health Informatics, for example: EHR, CPOE, EMR, CDSS, eMAR, or electronic devices used in Health Care
Introduction:
Health Informatics is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses the application of information technology in healthcare settings. It aims to improve patient care, enhance clinical outcomes, and streamline healthcare processes. Various technological systems have emerged in recent years to facilitate these goals. This investigation will focus on one such technology – the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Currently Emerging Healthcare Technology System:
The EHR system is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart that is maintained and updated in real-time by multiple healthcare providers. It contains comprehensive patient information, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, and treatment plans. The EHR system also allows for easy access to patient data across different healthcare settings, facilitating better coordination of care.
Goals for the Product:
The primary goal of the EHR system is to provide a comprehensive and longitudinal view of a patient’s health information that can be shared securely and efficiently among healthcare providers. This leads to improved patient safety, enhanced care coordination, and better clinical decision-making. The EHR system also offers features such as clinical decision support tools, reminders, and alerts to support evidence-based practice and reduce medical errors.
Data Supporting the Product:
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of implementing EHR systems in healthcare settings. A systematic review conducted by Gagnon et al. (2016) analyzed 34 studies and found that EHR systems significantly improved patient safety, quality of care, and time efficiency. Another study by Adler-Milstein et al. (2013) found that hospitals with advanced EHR systems had lower mortality rates compared to those without such systems.
Furthermore, the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conducted a survey in 2019 that revealed several positive outcomes associated with EHR use. These included improved patient engagement, better care coordination, increased access to patient data, and reduced costs.
Healthcare Settings:
The EHR system is applicable in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. It is particularly useful in improving care coordination in complex cases involving multiple healthcare providers. EHR systems are also implemented in educational institutions to train future healthcare professionals on electronic documentation and to enable research and data analysis.
In the education setting, EHR systems allow students to access realistic patient data, which enhances their clinical problem-solving skills and prepares them for real-world healthcare practice. Additionally, these systems facilitate interprofessional collaboration by allowing students from different healthcare disciplines to work together on patient cases.
Conclusion:
The EHR system is a vital technology in health informatics that plays a crucial role in improving patient care and healthcare outcomes. It offers numerous benefits, including enhanced patient safety, improved care coordination, and more efficient clinical decision-making. The data supporting the use of EHR systems is substantial, with studies showing positive impacts on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
In addition to healthcare settings, EHR systems are also employed in educational institutions to train future healthcare professionals and promote interprofessional collaboration. As the field of Health Informatics continues to evolve, the EHR system will likely see further advancements, leading to even more significant improvements in patient care.