Assessing the Value of Electronic Medical Records in Nursing, Medical Records Management, and Social Services: A Comprehensive Literature Review
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- Category: Vol. 79, December 2011
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Assessing the Value of Electronic Medical Records in Nursing, Medical Records Management, and Social Services: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Abstract
Background: Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are widely recognized for their potential to improve healthcare administration, data accuracy, and patient care quality. Despite their benefits, EMR adoption has been slow, and their overall impact remains uncertain. This literature review aims to con-solidate recent research on the advantages and limitations of EMRs in hospital settings. Aim: The goal of this review is to assess the economic, quality, and implementation aspects of EMRs, examining their impact on nursing, medical records management, and social services. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database from February 2004 to 2010. Out of 578 articles, 57 were deemed eligible, and eight were selected for detailed review. Studies were evaluated for their design quality, sample size, and statistical analysis. Results: The review found that EMRs generally offer economic benefits, including reduced administrative costs and improved communication among healthcare providers. Improvements in care quality were observed in most studies, with a reduction in mortality rates noted in one study. However, implementation challenges and high costs continue to hinder widespread adoption. Conclusion: While EMRs show promise in enhancing healthcare efficiency and quality, their adoption is hampered by significant barriers. The review highlights the need for im-proved integration strategies and cost-effective solutions to fully realize the benefits of EMRs. Continued research is es- sential to address these challenges and optimize EMR systems for better healthcare outcomes