The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Outcomes
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- Category: Vol. 84, December 2016
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The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Outcomes
Abstract
Aims: The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has been a focal point of healthcare reform efforts in the United States, driven by the promise of improving healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. Methodology: This paper examines the impact of EHRs on various aspects of healthcare management and patient out-comes, drawing on a comprehensive review of literature post-2009, following the enactment of the Health Information Tech-nology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. Key areas of focus include clinical outcomes, patient perceptions and satisfaction, hospital readmissions, patient monitoring, and
patient safety. Results: Findings suggest that EHR adoption is associat- ed with positive outcomes, including improvements in clinical outcomes such as reduced mortality rates and enhanced patient safety. Patient perceptions and satisfaction also improve with EHR implementation, contributing to greater engagement in
care and adherence to treatment plans. Moreover, EHRs facil-itate seamless transitions of care, ensuring effective discharge planning and post-discharge support, thereby reducing hospital readmission rates. Additionally, EHRs enable more efficient pa-tient monitoring and management, promoting compliance with
treatment regimens and enhancing overall quality of care. Conclusion: However, challenges such as data entry errors, technical failures, and concerns about privacy and security per-sist, highlighting the need for ongoing improvements in HER systems and training of healthcare personnel. Addressing these challenges while maximizing the potential benefits of EHRs is crucial for advancing patient-centered, data-driven healthcare
delivery in the digital age.