Electronic medical record software, or simply EMR software, refers to programs used by providers of health services to store, and retrieve patient information. It is increasingly gaining popularity and replacing paper based systems that have been in use for very many years. Different software types are designed to be sued with the different specialties in the medical field such as ophthalmology, paediatrics, neurology, cardiology, family practice and cardiology among others.
There are various strengths and weaknesses associated with this system. The greatest advantage is the increased efficiency in both storage and retrieval of patient information. Digitally stored information is far easier to access than that found on paper. With the law requiring that patient data should be stored for at least 5 years in many countries, there are very large volumes involved. EMR programs have a search option that brings up what is required within seconds.
Compared to the conventional method, less physical space is required for EMRs. This translates into huge savings for the healthcare centre involved. Other than the cost, digital information is also less cumbersome to store. With the legal requirement that records should be stored for at least five years, the paper work may become a nuisance in some cases.
Another benefit realised by users of these programs is the ease of replicating records. This is usually necessary when the documents are needed by different people at the same time. Whereas it is necessary to make photocopies and fax paper documents, all that is required for the digital data are the email addresses of the different recipients.
Several standards have been designed to be used by operating systems that run the programs. HL-7 is a message format that facilitates interchange of information between different users. The standard ANSIX12 (EDI) is a protocol for transmission of bills and insurance claims. DICOM helps in the sending and receiving of radiological images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI among others. Others include CEN-EHRcom and CEN-HISA.
There are several disadvantages associated with use of the programs. The fact that many people including doctors, nurses and clerks may access this information may be a cause of concern for some patients. The use of the software has reduced patient doctor interaction and some healthcare providers think that this will reduce the quality of care. Other disadvantages include the fact there is need for training which is time consuming and costly, and the equipment itself is also expensive.
Improvements continue to be made as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. In some centres, the programs are being adopted for use in monitoring clinical procedures. Other than just storing, they are also being used to analyze patient data so as to detect any possible adverse effects. This can help physicians institute more timely interventions. Another important development is linkage to the internet which has made access by healthcare providers even easier.
There are various strengths and weaknesses associated with this system. The greatest advantage is the increased efficiency in both storage and retrieval of patient information. Digitally stored information is far easier to access than that found on paper. With the law requiring that patient data should be stored for at least 5 years in many countries, there are very large volumes involved. EMR programs have a search option that brings up what is required within seconds.
Compared to the conventional method, less physical space is required for EMRs. This translates into huge savings for the healthcare centre involved. Other than the cost, digital information is also less cumbersome to store. With the legal requirement that records should be stored for at least five years, the paper work may become a nuisance in some cases.
Another benefit realised by users of these programs is the ease of replicating records. This is usually necessary when the documents are needed by different people at the same time. Whereas it is necessary to make photocopies and fax paper documents, all that is required for the digital data are the email addresses of the different recipients.
Several standards have been designed to be used by operating systems that run the programs. HL-7 is a message format that facilitates interchange of information between different users. The standard ANSIX12 (EDI) is a protocol for transmission of bills and insurance claims. DICOM helps in the sending and receiving of radiological images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI among others. Others include CEN-EHRcom and CEN-HISA.
There are several disadvantages associated with use of the programs. The fact that many people including doctors, nurses and clerks may access this information may be a cause of concern for some patients. The use of the software has reduced patient doctor interaction and some healthcare providers think that this will reduce the quality of care. Other disadvantages include the fact there is need for training which is time consuming and costly, and the equipment itself is also expensive.
Improvements continue to be made as regards the use of electronic medical record software systems. In some centres, the programs are being adopted for use in monitoring clinical procedures. Other than just storing, they are also being used to analyze patient data so as to detect any possible adverse effects. This can help physicians institute more timely interventions. Another important development is linkage to the internet which has made access by healthcare providers even easier.
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The medical store software simply software refers to programs used by providers of health services to store, and retrieve patient information.The Medical store software
RépondreSupprimeris increase efficiency in both storage and retrieval of patient information.
Great article. Well written and very useful. Thanks a lot.
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