Currently, virtually every field has embraced electronic documentation. I have experienced firsthand the way electronic documentation has transformed healthcare from analogue paper-based documentation, to one that has enabled quality services to patients. Even though this technology has positive aspect, it equally has the negative part of it (Sanderson, 2015).
Positive Aspects
Electronic documentation has impacted healthcare positively, if societal, organization and clinical outcomes are anything to consider (Alpert, 2016). In terms of clinical outcomes, electronic documentation has only led to patient safety and quality healthcare. Through it, it has become easy to do realize the right results, because things are done in the right way to the right patient (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). With electronic documentation, it has become possible for healthcare professionals to focus on efficiency, effectiveness and patient safety. Electronic documentation has made it easier to access medical information of patients, thus improving service delivery. In the same vein, accessing clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests is instant (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).
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Negative Aspects
Electronic documentation has numerous negative aspects. I have had some professionals in the healthcare industry complain that the system is slower, especially because the software has not been updated (Osborne, 2015). In some cases, some nurses and clinicians find it difficult to use the system, and as such, they have to keep going for training to get familiar with it. Such interferences end up disrupting work-flows for medical workers, and consequently, productivity is affected negatively (Menachemi & Collum, 2011). Electronic documentation has come with a lot of complains from patients that their privacy has been violated. Since the introduction of electronic record system within healthcare, a lot of information is being exchanged electronically. Despite regular audits to determine the people who have accessed patient details, sections of staff have accessed medical records inappropriately (Menachemi & Collum, 2011).
References
Alpert, J .S. (2016). The electronic medical record in 2016: Advantages and disadvantages. Digit Med 2:48-51
Menachemi, N., & Collum, T. H. (2011). Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems. Risk management and healthcare policy , 4, 47-55.
Osborne (2015). Documentation for Physical Therapist Practice: A Clinical Decision Making Approach. New York, NY: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
Sanderson, S. (2015). Computers in the Medical Office. 9 th Ed. New York, NY: McGraw- Hill Education
