| Electronic health records can be defined as data | | | | electronic patient records are always accurate. |
| which is stored on computer systems in relation | | | | Easy to store - Because the records are held on |
| to the treatment of patients by healthcare | | | | a computer, a lot less physical space is needed to |
| professionals. | | | | store records. It takes as much physical space to |
| Historically, these records would have been stored | | | | store 2 records, as it does two million records. |
| manually on paper. Increasingly, however, | | | | This makes information held at doctors' surgeries, |
| healthcare organisations are finding it easier and | | | | hospitals and other medical and dental |
| more convenient to store health records | | | | establishments much easier to use. |
| electronically. | | | | Speed of use - Electronic medial records can be |
| As the following article explains, there are several | | | | accessed immediately, and there is no need for a |
| advantages and disadvantages to the storing of | | | | receptionist to get the paper notes ready in the |
| records of records on computer, as opposed to in | | | | morning for all patients a doctor will see during the |
| paper files. | | | | day. This also means that there is very little |
| Advantages of Electronic Health Records | | | | chance of notes going missing, or getting mixed |
| Electronic health records have several benefits for | | | | up. |
| healthcare professionals. These are as follows: | | | | Security - Having an electronic copy of a patient's |
| Document sharing - With the ability to share | | | | medical record can help to improve security on 2 |
| information quickly and easily between | | | | counts. First of all, it means that only authorised |
| themselves, healthcare practitioners are able to | | | | personnel will be able to access the records on a |
| treat patients more efficiently and effectively. | | | | computer system which will usually be protected |
| Easy access - By having data to hand at all times, | | | | by password. Secondly, having a backup of the |
| healthcare professionals can deal with patients | | | | records will mean that in the event of the data |
| efficiently, without having to spend time trawling | | | | being destroyed, e.g. by fire, there will always be |
| through paper records. | | | | an additional copy which can be called upon. |
| Easy to update - As records are updated on | | | | Now you know more about the theory of |
| computer, there is no delay in changing patient | | | | Electronic Health Records, you're sure to see |
| data, such as changes of address or phone | | | | them in practice, helping to speed up your |
| number, new medication, next of kin, and all the | | | | treatment, the next time you visit a doctor, |
| other aspects that could change. This means that | | | | dentist or hospital. |