Electronic medical record software, or simply EMR software, refers to programs used by providers of health services to store, and retrieve patient information. It is increasingly gaining popularity and replacing paper based systems that have been in use for very many years. Different software types are designed to be sued with the different specialties in the medical field such as ophthalmology, paediatrics, neurology, cardiology, family practice and cardiology among others.
EMR programs are associated with various advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the most important of these is increased efficiency in the storage and retrieval of records. Compared to paper documents, digital information is easier to access and modify. This kind of efficiency becomes necessary when specific information is to be retrieved from a large volume of stored records in an emergency setting.
Compared to the paper based systems, EMRs require comparatively less storage space. This greatly helps to cut down on costs that go into physical facilities for storage. Healthcare centers that use the traditional form of storage limit themselves to between 5 and 10 years. Digital systems, on the other hand, can store records for much longer than this.
Healthcare providers using the programs will find it easier to replicate patient reports in the event that copies of the same are required in more than one location at a given time. There is no need for photocopying and faxing which only serve to increase costs of treatment. The copies can be created in a computer and sent by email to the intended recipients.
A number of standards have been developed to be used by the different operating systems that run EMR programs. HL-7 is a format of messages interchanged between different EMR systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) helps with the transmission of claims and bills from patients that have been treated. DICOM is another standard used to represent radiological images such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans and X-rays. Other standards are the CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom.
There are several disadvantages associated with use of the programs. The fact that many people including doctors, nurses and clerks may access this information may be a cause of concern for some patients. The use of the software has reduced patient doctor interaction and some healthcare providers think that this will reduce the quality of care. Other disadvantages include the fact there is need for training which is time consuming and costly, and the equipment itself is also expensive.
Electronic medical record software continues to generate a lot of interest among providers of healthcare services. With the many improvements taking place, EMRs will play a central role in patient management in future. Already, a number of hospitals have incorporated them in clinical procedures and in formulation of prognoses for different patients. The fact that they can be linked to the internet is good news to researchers who may be interested in the information.
EMR programs are associated with various advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the most important of these is increased efficiency in the storage and retrieval of records. Compared to paper documents, digital information is easier to access and modify. This kind of efficiency becomes necessary when specific information is to be retrieved from a large volume of stored records in an emergency setting.
Compared to the paper based systems, EMRs require comparatively less storage space. This greatly helps to cut down on costs that go into physical facilities for storage. Healthcare centers that use the traditional form of storage limit themselves to between 5 and 10 years. Digital systems, on the other hand, can store records for much longer than this.
Healthcare providers using the programs will find it easier to replicate patient reports in the event that copies of the same are required in more than one location at a given time. There is no need for photocopying and faxing which only serve to increase costs of treatment. The copies can be created in a computer and sent by email to the intended recipients.
A number of standards have been developed to be used by the different operating systems that run EMR programs. HL-7 is a format of messages interchanged between different EMR systems. ANSIX12 (EDI) helps with the transmission of claims and bills from patients that have been treated. DICOM is another standard used to represent radiological images such as MRI, ultrasound, CT scans and X-rays. Other standards are the CEN-HISA and CEN-EHRcom.
There are several disadvantages associated with use of the programs. The fact that many people including doctors, nurses and clerks may access this information may be a cause of concern for some patients. The use of the software has reduced patient doctor interaction and some healthcare providers think that this will reduce the quality of care. Other disadvantages include the fact there is need for training which is time consuming and costly, and the equipment itself is also expensive.
Electronic medical record software continues to generate a lot of interest among providers of healthcare services. With the many improvements taking place, EMRs will play a central role in patient management in future. Already, a number of hospitals have incorporated them in clinical procedures and in formulation of prognoses for different patients. The fact that they can be linked to the internet is good news to researchers who may be interested in the information.
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