Exploring History, Uses, and Evaluation of Electronic Medical Records: A Comparative Study
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- Category: Vol. 89, December 2021
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Exploring History, Uses, and Evaluation of Electronic Medical Records: A Comparative Study
Abstract
Aims: This review explores the transformative journey of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), tracing their evolution from early paper-based systems to the sophisticated digital platforms in use today. Methodology: This review article was based on previously published peer reviewed articles in scientific journals and col-lected using academic search engines such as google scholar and Pubmed. Results: Initially developed in academic medical facili-ties, EHRs have progressively integrated more comprehensive patient data and functionalities, transitioning from mainframe computers to modern web-based and client-server systems. De-spite challenges such as high costs, data entry errors, and lim-ited initial adoption, advancements in hardware and software have facilitated wider implementation. Key developments in-clude the introduction of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) sys-tems, interoperability standards like HL7, and the inclusion of various medical specialties and devices into EHR frameworks. The rise of big data analytics and natural language processing (NLP) has further enhanced EHR capabilities, allowing for predictive modeling and better disease management. Patient engagement has increased through Personal Health Records (PHRs), enabling patients to manage their health information actively. Conclusion: The integration of genomic data and family health histories into EHRs has opened new avenues for per-sonalized medicine and research. However, concerns about data privacy, security, and the burden on healthcare providers persist. Open source EHR solutions and cloud technology are emerging as viable alternatives to proprietary systems, espe-cially in resource-limited settings. EHRs are also becoming integral to public health, providing valuable data for biosurveil-lance and epidemiological studies. The future of EHRs lies in addressing existing challenges, enhancing interoperability, and leveraging advanced technologies to improve patient care and health outcomes globally.