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While pen and paper have been traditional methods for managing patient medical records, they come with several potential drawbacks, which has created the need for electronic medical records software (EMRs).
Here are some drawbacks of using pen and paper for managing patient medical records:
1. Limited Accessibility and Data Disorganization:
There is always a possibility of human error where one might misplace the patient case sheet, this leads to delays in retrieving patient information and potential errors in patient care.
2. Patient data storage challenges:
Storing health records requires significant physical space. As the number of patients and their records increases, healthcare facilities may face challenges in managing and storing the growing volume of paper documents.
3. Limited Security:
Paper records are more susceptible to unauthorised access and loss.
4. Difficulty in Sharing Information:
Sharing patient information among different healthcare providers or facilities is cumbersome with paper records. This lack of interoperability can hinder coordinated care and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
5. Risk of Data Entry Errors:
Manual data entry increases the likelihood of errors, such as illegible handwriting or transcription mistakes. These errors can compromise the accuracy of patient information and impact the quality of healthcare provided.
6. Limited Trend Analysis:
Analysing trends in patient health over time is challenging with paper records. Electronic systems allow for easier data analysis, helping healthcare providers identify patterns, track progress, and make informed decisions.
7. Inefficiency in Billing Processes:
Medical Billing and administrative processes can be inefficient with paper-based systems. Electronic systems streamline billing, reducing the chances of errors and improving financial management for healthcare facilities.
8. Costs of Storage and Retrieval:
The costs associated with physical storage, maintenance of filing systems, and the labour required for manual retrieval can be significant. Transitioning to electronic systems can provide cost savings in the long run.
9. Compliance Challenges:
Meeting regulatory requirements for data security and patient privacy can be challenging with paper records. Electronic systems offer tools and features that assist healthcare facilities in complying with healthcare regulations.
Given these drawbacks, many healthcare facilities are transitioning to electronic medical records to overcome these challenges and improve the efficiency, security, and quality of patient care.
What happens when you purchase a cloud based software for maintaining Electronic Health records of the patients?
Purchasing a cloud-based EHR software marks a substantial improvement in clinic or hospital efficiency. Critical details such as medication schedules, patient diagnoses, prognoses, treatment histories, prescriptions, and health trends are securely stored and easily accessible on the secure servers of the healthcare software provider.
Lets peak into the greater benefits of implementing a reliable patient data management software:
1. Digital Case Sheets: Precision in Clinical Records
Doctors gain access to a digital case sheet that enables the capture of relevant parameters, amalgamating clinical examinations and the patient’s comprehensive medical history.
2. Streamlined Nursing Processes:
Nurses can efficiently capture patient vitals before consultations, optimizing the doctor’s time and ensuring a more streamlined workflow.
3. Summarised Patient Visit Histories: Consultation Insights
A summarization of all patient visit histories facilitates quick and comprehensive reviews during consultations, enabling doctors to gauge the progress of medical conditions or diseases.
4. E-Prescriptions: Template-Driven Medication Management
Customizable templates streamline the prescription process for commonly prescribed medications. Doctors can generate e-prescriptions with a single click, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
5.Integrated Modules for Seamless Data Flow:
Comprehensive medical software boasts integrated modules, ensuring seamless data flow across various departments. When a digital prescription is generated, pharmacists can access individual patient records, including medicine brand names and compositions.
6. Meeting compliance regulations:
Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) play a crucial role in addressing compliance challenges faced by healthcare providers.
7. Data Encryption and Security Measures:
EHR/EMR systems implement robust encryption and security protocols to safeguard patient data. By encrypting sensitive information, these systems ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot access or tamper with patient records, addressing concerns related to patient data security.
Features specifically designed to address the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. These features include secure messaging, patient consent tracking, and other functionalities that support HIPAA compliance.
8. Regular Software Updates and Compliance Checks:
Cloud-based healthcare software vendors regularly release updates to their software to address security vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with evolving healthcare regulations. Healthcare providers can benefit from these updates to stay current with the latest compliance standards.
9. Consent Management:
EHR/EMR systems enable healthcare providers to manage patient consent effectively. This includes documenting patient consent for treatment, sharing information, and other relevant aspects. Proper consent management is crucial for compliance with privacy regulations.
10.Customisable Case sheets:
This involves tailoring the software to meet the specific needs and workflows of a particular medical specialty or practice.
Specialized Templates and Forms: Customization allows the creation of specialized templates and forms that align with the unique documentation requirements of a particular medical specialty.
For example, an orthopedic surgeon may need specific templates for joint assessments, while a dermatologist may require templates for skin examinations. On the other hand a psychiatrist, gynaecologist or a clinical psychologist might look at entirely different patient details.
11. Workflow Integration:
The EMR software can be customised to seamlessly integrate with the specific workflow of the doctor’s practice. This includes adapting the system to accommodate the order of examinations, medical procedures, and consultations that are typical for a particular medical specialty.
12. Procedure and Treatment Plans:
Doctors in different specialties may perform distinct procedures and treatments. Customization allows the inclusion of specialty-specific procedure lists and treatment plans, making it easier for doctors to document and track the interventions they commonly perform.
13. Ease of access for patients:
Patients can access their prescriptions through the mobile application or download them. In case of patients with mental or chronic medical conditions getting medication during an emergency is impossible without a prescription. This is where a downloaded E-prescription can be a life-saver.
When you implement a cloud-based EHR software it not only streamlines daily operations but also fosters a more collaborative and data-driven approach to healthcare.
We are a premium Digital Healthcare software provider in India. Over the past decade we have been able to enhance the productivity of clinics and hospitals through our cloud-based software for medical practitioners and healthcare facility owners.
Reach out to Docpulse today for a demo of our Electronic Medical Records Software for improving clinic management.
