Project Selection: Electronic Medical Records - Paper Example

The severity and significance of efficient health services underscore the need for prompt access to the right information at the right time. In the recent past, system developers have developed many information systems aimed at improving service delivery. Such systems include the electronic medical records system that collects a comprehensive history of a patient. In other words, it is a digitized version of a paper that entails all the details and history of a patient (Skolinik, 2011). EMR is particularly handy for doctors during diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, EMR is a vital tool for a Chief Information Officer who is tasked with managing IT systems in a health institution as well as creating new systems that lead and guide the workforce.

To a chief information officer, EMR helps in providing accurate and up-to-date information about the patients by enabling quick access to their records. The system also improves the interaction between the physician and the patient hence allowing safer and more reliable prescribing. Electronic medical records system is a good choice for a new organization because it encompasses future proofing, procurement, and adhering to the external and internal standards established by the organization (Gartee, 2008). Importantly, EMR minimizes the risks associated with the job of a chief information officer that include loss or access to customer data by unauthorized persons.

The implementation of EMR guarantees improved diagnostics and better patient outcomes. According to a national survey of doctors, 94% of health care providers that had utilized the technology reported that it had significant clinical benefits to the health sector (Manca, 2015). In addition, efficient utilization of EMR would improve risk management and liability prevention. Studies have shown that the system has improved aggregation, analysis and better communication of patient data. Moreover, it prevents liability on behalf of the hospital by providing safeguards against the wrong diagnosis and prescribing treatments that would harm the clients. Additionally, Manca (2015) established that EMR promotes research and monitoring for enhancement of clinical services. Overall, the integration of patient data in a central point could help improve not only individual outcomes but also the public health outcomes. This centralization ensures that physicians who suffer from a similar condition can be observed keenly and provided with preventive and treatment measures.

References

Gartee, R. (2006). Electronic health records: Understanding and using computerized medical records. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Manca, D. P. (2015). Do electronic medical records improve quality of care?: Yes. Canadian Family Physician, 61(10), 846847.

Skolnik, N. S. (2011). Electronic Medical Records [recurso electronico]: A Practical Guide for Primary Care. Estados Unidos: Humana Press.