Electronic Health Record
Electronic Health Record (EHR) refers to the digital version of a patient’s paper chart, designed to be a centralized repository for longitudinal patient health information. It encompasses health-information-technology (HIT) implementations aimed at improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Overview & Evolution
- Historical Context: HIT has been integrated into healthcare since the 1960s, initially utilized for financial transactions via mainframes Health Information Technology History.
- Core Function: EHRs facilitate the sharing of health information among providers, reducing redundant testing and enabling coordinated care.
Impact on Medical Outcomes
- Positive Effects: Recent systematic reviews indicate that HIT continues to demonstrate positive effects on treatment outcomes and overall medical efficacy.
- Key Research Findings:
- A systematic review published in 2018 highlights the ongoing contribution of HIT to improved healthcare metrics.
- See: Kruse - Health Information Technology Continues to Show Positive Effect for detailed analysis on how HIT impacts clinical decision-making and patient safety.
- Keywords: health-information-technology, treatment outcome, electronic health record.
References
- Kruse, C. S., Beane, A., et al. (2018). on Medical Outcomes: Systematic Review. Ey. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.8793
- Source Type: Academic
- Authors: Clemens Scott Kruse, Amanda Beane, San Marcos, United States, Encino Hall