Benefits of using an electronic health record system

Electronic Records
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Electronic Records
Introduction
There has been an increase in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the healthcare facilities in the recent years. This is due to the recent efforts aimed at reforming the health care. With this regard, a lot of literatures has been published on the impact of EHRs on the nursing practice. This research paper seeks to critically examine the benefits of using EHRs to the health care practice, patient safety, and quality of patient care; and the problems associated with the use of EHRs.
Benefits of using an electronic health record system to the health care practice, patient safety, and quality of patient care
A number of studies have established that the use of an electronic health record system has brought positive changes on the quality of patient care, patient safety as well as the health care practice (Bowman, 2013). For instance, the use of electronic records facilitates easy access to accurate and complete records. Consequently, this has resulted in improved diagnostic and patient outcomes due to the fact that patients could receive improved medical care. Similarly, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has enhanced the patient diagnostic procedures and thus mitigating or even preventing the medical errors in the healthcare facilities. In addition, electronic health records have assisted in diagnosis. With this regard, the health care providers could have reliable access to the complete health data of the patients. This comprehensive information could assist the healthcare providers to diagnose the medical conditions of patients sooner and thus preventing or minimizing deaths. Furthermore, the use of EHRs has enhanced patient safety via various mechanisms. These include: improved clinical notes’ legibility; enhanced access to patient records; and reduced duplication tests among others.
On the other h...