Electronic Medical Records: Data Privacy, Confidentiality, Patient Care, and Education
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- Category: Vol. 81, December 2013
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Electronic Medical Records: Data Privacy, Confidentiality, Patient Care, and Education
Abstract
Aim: This study examines the implementation and impact of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, focusing on their potential to improve healthcare delivery, patient care, and facilitate epidemiological research. It contrasts the experiences of the United States and European countries, particularly Den-mark, which has achieved near-complete EMR adoption. Methods: The analysis synthesizes literature and data from various studies, governmental reports, and expert analyses on EMR adoption, usability, interoperability, and outcomes in healthcare settings. Key sources include national healthcare policies, academic research, and comparative studies between US and European healthcare systems. Results: In the United States, EMR implementation under the Affordable Care Act aimed to enhance productivity and pa-tient outcomes but faced challenges such as privacy concerns, interoperability issues, and usability problems. These barriers have hindered effective information exchange between health-
care providers and compromised patient care. In contrast, Eu-ropean countries like Denmark have demonstrated significant benefits from comprehensive EMR systems, including reduced medication errors and improved workflow efficiencies for healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The disparity in EMR outcomes between the US and Europe underscores the importance of cohesive stand-ards, robust infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with patient safety and data accessibility. Lessons from successful European models suggest that inte-grated EMR systems can support effective healthcare delivery and research, provided challenges such as privacy regulations and vendor practices are addressed proactively.