Introduction
All sectors of humanity have experienced the effects occasioned by the advancements of technology. The health sector is one of the sectors that have experienced the effects of technological advancements. Electronic Health Records (EHR) is one of the elements that emerged in the advent of technological advancements in the health sector. Imperatively, the use of electronic data storage or EHR is very practical in utility of space. The practicability in space utility transpires because the quantity of data stored using EHR platforms is large as opposed to the use of paper documentation. Additionally, retrieval of data is easy and timely, an element that increases the essence of EHRs in health care. The advent of EHR and its application has led to a range of benefits, which include improved quality of service and promotion of safety. On the other hand, EHRs have also initiated a number of challenges that comprise limited privacy, breach of confidentiality, complexities in decision-making, and access to information by adolescents. It is within this backdrop that the essay assesses the impacts of EHRs in the health sector.
The Rationale for Choosing the Topic and Its Essence
EHRs have become very important in modern health facilities. Medical practitioners handling contemporary individuals need competences that relate to technological advancements. Miliard (2016) elucidates that to effectively execute their services and apply the concepts advanced by EHR medical practitioners should be in line with the trendy characteristics of technology. It is critical for medical practitioners to understand that healthcare sector is susceptible to changes advanced by the trends in technology. Principally, EHRs have played a dominant role in minimizing several issues related to the use of files in saving patient information (Robichau, 2014; Polverini, 2015). Currently, patients can access their medical information in various parts as they engage in their daily engagements provided they have the pass code to the information along with their respective medical practitioners. As such, medical conditions become a subject of close monitoring and control becomes timely in case of a complication.
Application of Nursing Informatics and HIT Knowledge in Developing the Assignment
The skills relevant to Nursing Informatics (NI) and Health Information Technology (HIT) played an instrumental role in development of the assignment. Since EHR utilizes technology, knowledge on information technology and nursing informatics are very important in development of an assignment that is clear and explicit (Bailey, 2016). It is vital to assert that Nursing Informatics and HIT are aspects that govern application of technology in healthcare facilities, and thus, a good understanding on the concepts is core in development of a well-designed assignment.
Positive Impacts of EHR
Fundamentally, EHR is efficient in promoting safety. Use of keywords, passwords, and other customized technologies improve the ability of EHR in promoting safety of data. The increase in cases of cybercrime and hacking implies that the stakeholders involved in the healthcare information technology need to continually research on the ways that minimize issues related to illegal access of personal data. It is paramount to assert that safety and privacy of patient information is one of the vital components that form the focus of EHRs (Boonstra, Versluis & Vos, 2014). Apparently, some of the legislations that strive to improve EHRs capability to promote safety include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Accuracy, Efficiency, and Reliability
Accuracy, efficiency, and reliability are among the important benefits associated with EHR in healthcare. Brennan and Bakken (2015) highlight that EHR make retrieval and access to information stored in computers or online platforms easy and efficient. Moreover, issues relating loss or misplacement common during the era of filling diminish because information is safe in specific sites. Accuracy of information enhances with the fact that the information stored using EHR is safe from water, fire, or wear and tear (Polverini, 2015). Therefore, information stored is available even after several ages because it is less vulnerable to loss or distortion. The implication of safety common with the use of EHR in medical facilities is accuracy of records and efficiency in retrieving data of particular individuals when required. Unlike in the past when patient information was stored in several files, EHR facilitates storage of information in a single gadget, which is safe and accurate.
Negative Impacts of EHR
Some of the drawbacks associated with implementation and use of EHR in HIT and nursing informatics in the health sector include limited privacy, breach of confidentiality, and complexities in decision-making. While EHRs have led to a range of positive developments in the healthcare sector, they have equally initiated a number of drawbacks. Apparently, several drawbacks transpire because of uncontrolled technological advancements. Drawbacks that relate to privacy revolve around the concept of confidentiality. Healthcare practitioners usually uphold the information advanced to them by patients with utmost secrecy. As such, information of respective patients is confidential at all times. Silow-Carroll, Edwards, and Rodin (2012) explain that with the advent of EHR, there are instances where unwarranted individuals access patient information. Increased access to personal information transpires because storage of information utilizes computers and online platforms. As such, hackers and cyber criminals can at times access information in the oblivion of medical practitioners or patients.
Illegal Access to Personal Information and Complexities in Decision-Making
Furthermore, some medical practitioners may leave their computers without logging off thus, increasing the vulnerability of unwarranted access to personal information. In the light of these developments, which include increased cases of hacking and minimal secrecy, some patients opt out of EHRs, a scenario that compels medical practitioners to reintroduce the use of paper documentation. Kelley (2016) states that another drawback linked to the use of EHR in health facilities is the judgment imposed due to breach of confidentiality. Since medical practitioners need to uphold personal information at all times, there are scenarios when unwarranted individuals access the information. Evidently, the drawback that takes place in the aftermath of illegal access to information relates to judgment and decision-making. In cases of unwarranted access to information, medical practitioners and other stakeholders in the health sector, become perplexed on the kind of judgment that they should provide. The complexity in judgment transpires if access to information took place during an emergency rush or because of a technical hitch.
Conclusion
Introduction of EHR in healthcare sector is very practical in the overall service delivery and nursing care. The implications of EHR are practical and are felt by nurses, patients, and the healthcare system. Efficiency, improved service delivery, enhanced access to medical attention, and minimal risks associated with healthcare are some of the implications that come along with introduction and use of EHR and its incorporation with HIT operations. Apparently, EHR operations focus on improving the quality of healthcare by ensuring that the services delivered are swift and effective. It is important to elucidate that EHR is very instrumental in ensuring that patient data is readily available in case of repeat visits. The ease in accessing patient information helps medical practitioners to understand the diverse medical requirements of individuals and address the diversities in an advanced manner. Furthermore, in cases of emergences medical facilities can furnish the practitioners with requisite information concerning a particular patient, a condition that is fundamental in saving lives.
References
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Kelley, T. (2016). Electronic Health Records for Quality Nursing & Health Care / Tiffany Kelley. Lancaster: DEStech Publications.
Miliard, M. (2016). Meaningful Use will likely End in 2016, CMS chief Andy Slavitt says. Healthcare IT News.
Polverini, P. (2015). Personalized Oral Health Care: From Concept Design to Clinical Practice. London: Springer.
Robichau, B. (2014). Healthcare Information Privacy and Security: Regulatory Compliance and Data Security in the Age of Electronic Health Records. New York: Apress Publishers.
Silow-Carroll, S., Edwards, J., & Rodin, D. (2012). Using Electronic Health Records to Improve Quality and Efficiency: The Experiences of Leading Hospitals. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund), 17(1), 1-40.