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 5 pages (excluding cover and reference pages) APA formatted paper 3 References within 5 years

Introduction

Healthcare technology systems have been rapidly evolving in recent years, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and managed. One such emerging technology in the field of Health Informatics is Electronic Health Records (EHR). EHR is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart that includes the patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization records, laboratory results, and other healthcare information (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, 2021). This paper will investigate the EHR system, its goals, the data supporting its use, and its applications in various healthcare settings, including education.

Emerging Healthcare Technology System: Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Goals for the Product

The primary goal of implementing an EHR system is to improve the quality of patient care by enabling healthcare providers to have timely access to accurate and comprehensive patient information. EHRs aim to enhance patient safety, reduce medical errors, streamline clinical workflows, and improve care coordination among different healthcare providers (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2020). Additionally, EHR systems facilitate the exchange of patient information between different healthcare organizations, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care across different care settings.

Data Supporting the Product

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of EHR systems in improving healthcare outcomes. For instance, a systematic review conducted by Hersh et al. (2015) found that the use of EHRs was associated with improvements in patient safety, quality of care, and medication management. EHRs enable healthcare providers to have access to a patient’s complete medical history, including past diagnoses, medical procedures, and allergies. This comprehensive view of the patient’s health information improves diagnosis accuracy and reduces the likelihood of medical errors (Jha et al., 2009). Furthermore, EHRs have been shown to enhance medication safety by providing decision support tools that alert healthcare providers to potential drug interactions, allergies, and dosing errors (Kuperman et al., 2007). Consequently, EHRs have the potential to decrease adverse drug events and improve patient outcomes.

Healthcare Settings and Applications

EHR systems are utilized across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities. In hospitals, EHRs have been shown to improve clinical decision-making, increase efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes. For example, a study by Bates et al. (2003) reported a significant reduction in medication errors in hospitals that implemented an EHR system. Similarly, EHRs have been found to improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines, increase preventive care measures, and reduce hospital readmissions (Tappen et al., 2018).

In the outpatient setting, EHR systems enable primary care physicians and specialists to access and share patient information in real-time. This facilitates care coordination, reduces redundancy in testing and procedures, and improves communication among healthcare providers. Additionally, EHRs in outpatient settings have been found to enhance disease management and improve patient outcomes. For instance, a study conducted by Hincapie et al. (2015) reported better diabetes control and adherence to guidelines among patients whose primary care physicians used an EHR system.

Education is another healthcare setting where EHR systems play a vital role. EHRs are integrated into the curriculum of medical schools and other healthcare professional programs to train future healthcare providers in the use of these systems. By exposing students to EHRs during their training, they learn how to navigate electronic health records, interpret clinical data, and utilize decision support tools. This equips them with the necessary skills to seamlessly transition into practicing healthcare professionals who can effectively use EHRs to improve patient care.

Conclusion

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are an emerging technology in the field of Health Informatics that aims to improve the quality of patient care through enhanced access to comprehensive patient information, streamlined workflows, and improved care coordination. Evidence has shown that EHRs have the potential to improve patient safety, quality of care, and medication management. These systems are utilized across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities, where they have demonstrated positive impacts on clinical decision-making, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Furthermore, EHRs are integrated into medical education programs to train future healthcare professionals in the use of these systems. As healthcare technology continues to advance, leveraging the potential of EHRs will be crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.