What the good and bad of using EMR
Good of using EMR
The Efficiency – EMR improve patient data management. Unlike paper records, which require manual searching, EMRs allow instant access to patient history, lab results, and prescriptions. This speeds up decision-making and reduces administrative workload, ultimately improving patient care.
The Data Accuracy – Handwritten records are prone to errors, misinterpretation, and missing information. EMRs minimize these risks by ensuring clear, structured, and complete documentation. Standardized digital entries help avoid mistakes that could impact patient treatment.
The Remote Access – authorized healthcare providers can access patient data from multiple locations. This is especially useful in multi-clinic systems where doctors need to review a patient’s history even if they visited a different branch. Paper records, in contrast, are confined to a single location, limiting accessibility.
bad of using EMR
The Training Challenge – Transitioning from paper records to EMRs requires extensive training. Many healthcare workers, especially those unfamiliar with digital systems, may struggle with the new technology. Without proper training, efficiency can drop, and errors can increase during the adjustment period.
The Technical Issues – Unstable power supply, internet outages, or software failures can disrupt access to EMRs. In contrast, paper records are always available, regardless of technical issues. In settings with poor infrastructure, reliance on digital systems can pose a risk.
The Privacy Concern – While EMRs offer stronger security, they also introduce privacy risks. Digital records can be hacked or accessed by unauthorized users. In paper-based systems, physical access is required to view records, making data breaches less likely on a large scale.