(EHR)
Information systems refer to a set of components used to collect, create, store, process, and distribute information. Information systems have five main features: computer hardware, computer software, telecommunications, data warehouses and databases and procedures, and human resources. Business organizations and other firms use information systems to effectively design, deliver, and use information communications technologies in solving the problems affecting their operations (Häyrinen et al. 2008). An Electronic Health Record (EHR), which is one of the information systems that has boosted operations in the health sector, forms the basis of this discussion.
Electronic Health Record refers to a modernized paper chart associated with a specific patient. This paper chart contains information about specified patients and makes this information available to authorized people/users instantly when the need arises. The electronic health record does not provide information about the patient's treatment and medical histories but instead provides info on; the patient's dates of immunization, test and laboratory results, treatment plans, medications and diagnoses, and tools with evidence that users caregivers may use in making decisions about the care of the patient (Black et al. 2011). The electronic health record has a crucial feature: creating health information that is managed by authorized users in a format that allows sharing with other users from other care organizations.
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Positive and Negative Impacts of Electronic Health Record System on the Users
Positive impacts
Electronic Health Records are meant for sharing information with other providers of health care, and firms such as pharmacies, laboratories, workplaces, and schools for the data helps in taking care of the patient; thus, the system helps in improving health care. The positive impacts of an Electronic Health record according to Casati et al., (2014) include;
Improvement in the quality of care as notes is easier to read from a computer than reading letters written by a physician. This helps reduce cases of misinterpretation and errors that can negatively impact patient care.
Electronic Health Records are convenient and efficient as they eliminate sorting and searching through cumbersome file records, which is tiresome.
Electronic Health Records saves space as there is no need to store papers and files in cabinets, which helps free up space for other purposes.
This system allows patients to access their information as there is a patient portal where patients view their data and history whenever they want.
Electronic health record information systems have a significant impact in the health sector, and its use has boosted and facilitated smooth and efficient operations. Paperwork is prone to errors, and misinterpretation as reading handwritings of some physicians is hectic. With this information system, space is saved too. Opening for file cabinets is reserved for other purposes. The most critical aspect of this information system is that patients can access their data through their portal (Häyrinen et al. 2008). This helps patients to remind themselves of their immunization dates and other vital medical and treatment records that they need to respond to at the right time.
Negative Impacts
Casati et al., (2014) states that several negative impacts are associated with Electronic Health Records, and they include;
Security and privacy issues as computers can be hacked, leading to information leakage. People with bad intentions may access sensitive information about patients.
Updating of data every time a patient visits may cause information inaccuracy. The changing of information may also cause information inaccuracy. When the wrong information is updated, the patient risks relying on inaccurate data.
Access to data by patients may cause panic and undue alarm as some patients may misinterpret data.
Destruction and loss of data may arise as a result of computer theft of breakdown.
Despite boosting efficiency in the health sector, the Electronic Health Record system is associated with several adverse impacts that may raise alarms when not keenly observed. The worst and most dangerous negative implications of this information system are security and privacy. Advancement in technology has increased cases of cyber-crime, such as hacking. Nowadays, people hack computers and get access to personal information. Individuals with bad intentions may hack the Electronic Health Record information system and access information of patients (Casati et al. 2014). These people may use this information against these patients, which may negatively impact the affected patient.
Recommendations for Improving and Enhancing Electronic Health Records information system
Electronic Health Record information system is a digital tool used for collection, creation, storage, processing, and distribution of information, and for that matter, it embraces technology. Technology is advancing at a very high rate, which requires the system to be updated frequently to match the current trends ( Casati et al. 2014). To improve and enhance the electronic health record information system, the following should be done;
Creation of backup plan in case data is lost through computer breakdown or theft. To ensure that patients' data is safe and can be recovered anytime, a backup should be created to help in data recovery in case of theft, fire outbreak, or breakage of computers, which automatically leads to data loss. By doing this, patients won't lose their information in case of a calamity or a disaster (Hoerbst et al. 2012). The patients should be given primary education to help them interpret their data well; this will eliminate panic and undue alarm caused by patients misinterpreting their data.
Some patients cause panic and undue alarms after accessing their information through the patient and portal. They interpret the information in the wrong way and demand care, which is uncalled. Civic education is the best solution for this. Due to increased cyber-crime and advancement in technology, Electronic Health Record information systems should be protected by strong passwords and security keys that cannot be easily hacked. These passwords and security keys should be known to authorized providers only and immediately changed whenever there is a leakage (Hoerbst et al. 2012). This will help protect patients' information and data from hacking and access by unauthorized people who may have bad intentions.
References
Ammenwerth, P Schnell-Inderst, A Hoerbst, (2012). The Impact of Electronic Patient Portals on Patient Care: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Retrieved from https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.3414/ME10-01-0038
Black, J Car, C Pagliari, C Anandan, K Cresswell, T Bokun, B McKinstry, R Procter, A Majeed, A Sheikh, (2011). The Impact of eHealth on the Quality and Safety of Health Care: A Systematic Overview, Retrieved from https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000387
Casati, H Haugland, G Barstad, R Bjugn, (2014). Implementation and use of electronic synoptic cancer reporting: an explorative case study of six Norwegian pathology laboratories. Retrieved from https://tidsskriftet.no/2014/02/kronikk/strukturert-e-journal
Hayrinen, K Saranto, P Nykanen, (2008). Definition, structure, content, use and impacts of electronic health records: A review of the research literature. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386505607001682?via%3Dihub
