Increasing document flow, increasing costs for the maintenance and maintenance of medical archives, and conducting electronic information exchange primarily with insurance companies. All of these force medical organizations to consider the possibility of introducing electronic medical records not only as an alternative but also as the only way to maintain medical records. The paper type of medical records management has its advantages and disadvantages, but still, people have begun to choose to favor electronic medical records. Although electronic card keeping is preferable in modern times, it still has several information risks that can still be solved.
A significant risk not related to entering information is that electronic card keeping increases the stress level of doctors. They need to memorize and know a large amount of information, and the process of filling out electronic cards also takes their time and requires remembering information. In addition, electronic cards have led to the fact that doctors and medical staff have begun to communicate less with each other. The transfer of cards and information electronically excludes the element of communication between doctors and nurses with each other and also deprives them of the opportunity to share opinions and experiences. Undoubtedly, such risks exist with the introduction of electronic cards, but the main dangers, in this case, are the risks associated with information.
An important problem in filling out electronic cards in general is related to the human factor. The first and most significant risk is that, since various errors may occur in the direction of the electronic card, this may lead to harm to the patient. The trouble is very significant since mistakes in the management of medical records lead to the appointment of incorrect medications and inpatient treatment. The patient may be at considerable risk, which may be difficult to correct later. Another danger when working in the emergency department may sometimes require fast work (Murphy et al., 2009). In a hurry, an erroneous identification of the patient or an error in the diagnosis may occur. Such problems can lead to a violation of the correct prescription of treatment and medications to patients.
The third significant problem is that the difficulty in filling out electronic forms can lead to the fact that some of the information may be missed. In medicine, it is imperative to fix every detail that will later help to make a correct diagnosis (Murphy et al., 2009). Some doctors may find the EMR interface difficult and incomprehensible, which will lead to the fact that they will try to record more diminutive, which will become an obstacle in the appointment of diagnosis and treatment.
These risks can be reduced by taking several steps. First, it is necessary to find software with the most straightforward possible interface so that doctors and other medical personnel do not have problems getting it. Hiring a person responsible for getting the cards and making a complete list of information about the patient, their diseases, and doctors’ appointments is also essential. This will eliminate the rush of doctors and medical staff and make it possible to enter all patient data into electronic medical records.
In conclusion, the maintenance of medical records is necessary for any medical institution. Naturally, handwritten cards are replaced by electronic ones over time, but this does not always benefit. It is impossible to eliminate the risks associated with the human factor, but several solutions can be found that will help reduce the danger not directly related to employees. Even though these and other threats exist, medical institutions are still trying to transfer record keeping to an electronic version.
Reference
Murphy, D., Shannon, K., & Pugliese, G. (2009). Risk management handbook for health care organizations. (Carroll, R., Ed.). Jossey-Bass.