Electronic Health Records - What You Need to Know

If you're involved in Healthcare, then you're probably already using Electronic Health Records, and know the many benefits that they can provide. If not, then here's what you need to know.

1. Electronic Health Records are quick to update on computer, and so the healthcare professional, such as a GP, can immediately enter the treatment given, or the medication prescribed, for example. There is no need to write this down on paper.

2. As these new sorts of health records are more up to date, they are also more accurate. There's no need for handwritten notes or illegible handwriting anymore.

3. Thanks to these new sorts of records, a patient's history is available at any NHS surgery or hospital, so that no matter where their usual GP or hospital is, the NHS professional treating them, will be able to know all they need to know immediately. This can range from current medication, allergies or previous operations or conditions that may affect treatment.

4. The security of these records is of paramount importance, and only authorised people will be able to access them. If the security of the building is breached, or if there is a fire or flood, paper based records could be vulnerable, but this won't be the case now.

5. Images such as X Rays and ultrasounds can be accessed quickly and easily, and so if there are any complications, a second opinion is required, or any other reasons, there is no need to send the images via taxi or courier. This will in turn save the NHS both time and money, and increase the efficiency of patient care.

6. A patient's medical history can be shared between doctors and dentists and nurses. This means that it will be immediately evident if a person has just had dental work, or an operation, or has any allergies, or there any other issues that might affect their treatment.

7. Electronic Health Records won't get lost, as they are electronic. There will be no mislaying them in the wrong place, or disposing of them in error. In addition, when a patient moves, their medical records can be sent electronically, rather than by post or courier. This saves time and money, and again, means that they won't get lost.

8. The new Electronic Health Records are also more efficient because they don't use paper. They are quicker to access, update and store, and are more environmentally friendly. This helps to save the planet, as well as time and money for the NHS.

9. Less storage space is required too, as Electronic Health Records are saved on a computer, rather than requiring the filing cabinet, or even dedicated room that paper based medical records need.

10. Because more time can be spent treating patients, the NHS is becoming more efficient and effective, and can fully concentrate on providing the healthcare required by patients.

Now you know more about how technology is changing the NHS, perhaps it's time for you to see how else Electronic Health Records are improving the NHS.

Find out more about Electronic Health Records and how System C is implementing the Connecting For Health programme to improve the NHS, at SystemC.com today.