An electronic health record or EHR is a concept defined as a collection of electronic health information about individual patients or populations. Once an EHR system is installed and staff are trained in its proper use, retrieving and updating patient clinical records is performed substantially faster and with fewer errors. In most cases, this allows health care providers to finish patient charting more quickly, and to do so while with the patient, increasing accuracy and completeness of the record. This can result in an increase in scheduled visits per hour with no lessoning of patient care quality. Also, by reducing the burden of administrative work, it allows a healthcare provider to concentrate more on the patient and less on paperwork.
By definition, an EHR system is a record in digital format that is capable of being shared across different health care settings. In some cases this sharing can occur by way of network-connected, enterprise-wide information systems and other information networks or exchanges. EHRs may include a range of data, including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal statistics like age and weight, and billing information.
There is much variety of health record software available for medical records. Sharing patient charts and medical information with other health care providers is also made substantially easier with an EMR system. While EMR interoperation is a long term goal and one not realized yet, it is possible to select patient information, including lab results and other diagnostic information, and share that with other providers, substantially increasing the quality of patient care.
Today hospitals are adopting, implementing, upgrading, or demonstrating the Meaningful Use of
