EHR System: Administrative Processes & Benefits - Essay Sample

Introduction

This Memo highlights the factors of the EHR system which all staff must be familiar with and put into practice. Their importance has also been discussed.

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Administrative Processes

Healthcare technology presents great potential for health institutions to provide useful operations. Although the primary purpose of the EHR is to collect and manage clinical data, the administrative processes are also able to benefit significantly from it. Before the administration processes can be improved, it is essential to ensure that information flow is also improved. That is what should be used in the process of decision making. Therefore, it is evident that the EHR plays a crucial role in the removal of barriers that exist between clinical data and administrative procedures. Since it promotes effective decision making, practice management also becomes enhanced. Both clinical and non-clinical data are used to make the best decision regarding an issue.

Communication and Connectivity

Communication within an organization is essential as the professionals need to be always in touch with one another despite their location in the facility. As a patient moves through various departments, the relevant information must be made available to the professionals through the use of EHR. Since information can be stored in the systems which allow professionals to access them at any time and location in the facility, connectivity can be promoted. It is much easier to use the EHR for communication rather than the paper methods that would require the movement of one patient file from one end of the facility to the other. That is not only tiresome but also risky since the records can easily be misplaced.

Decision Support

Making decisions happens all the time in the healthcare setting. The professionals are always expected to make decisions regarding patient services, medications, and even outcomes. They always need to decide which course of action is best to trigger the desired patient outcome. The EHR plays a crucial role in facilitating this process as various patient trends can be charted to identify the course of action that has shown successful outcomes. Therefore, through electronic health records, the patients can get the best services as healthcare professionals get the right kind of support when making decisions. Rather than base their decisions on assumptions, they can base them on actual evidence.

Dentistry/Optometry

Dentistry is a part of the healthcare environment that constantly relies on EHR. The records of images on the dental formula and any areas in need of intervention are often generated. Also, before any diagnosis is made and a course of treatment is established, the dentist must first have solid evidence that it is the right course of action. Therefore, the EHR is important in dentistry as it offers the decision making support that is required. Also, the records are important since the dentist may need to explain the diagnosis to the patients through images to ensure that they can effectively understand. Hence, the EHR also offers support in dentistry.

Health Information and Data

These are the key components of the EHR as they represent the various pieces of information or data that are important for medical decision making. They represent information on a patient's history, medication, and so on. Healthcare professionals need these pieces of information to make effective decisions that will contribute to a patient's outcome. They ensure that the right medication is prescribed by taking into account the allergies and other factors in the patient's background. Also, any previous treatments will be recorded to avoid any drug interactions that would have occurred.

Order Entry Management

Order entry management is important in EHR as it is the process through which medication is ordered and administered. It replaced the previous paper-based ordering system where orders would be made through too much paperwork. Healthcare professionals can write the full range of orders and maintain a medication administration record of the same online. They are also able to review any changes that other professionals may make relating to the order. Therefore, it presents a summary of an order that is easy to follow through and understand, unlike the paper-based approach, whereby the process would be so hectic.

Patient Support, Results Management

Patients need various kinds of support once their results are delivered. The role of the healthcare professionals us not just to deliver results and administer medications. That is because the patients need help in understanding what is wrong with their health and what can be done to improve their prognosis. Therefore, through the EHR, medical professionals can communicate various activities and behaviors that led to better patient outcomes in history. Once the patients see that the intervention worked for others, they will also likely be willing to consider the same strategy.

Population Health Management

The EHR of a specific healthcare institution can be used to contribute to the knowledge ton population health. Sometimes, governments need to understand the status of certain illnesses and their prevalence. The EHR makes it easier for a summary to be offered, thereby leading to suggestions that can be offered on time to avoid a disaster.

Considering these functions of EHR, it is evident that a lot of benefits are enjoyed by healthcare professionals and institutions that have already adopted its use. That is why this organization should also consider the same.