Electronic Medical Records Systems

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Many different companies are implementing new technological processes in order to increase productivity and areas. The healthcare industry is no different. Healthcare facilities are constantly looking for or thinking of ways to increase quality and quantity in care and that is why a large amount of facilities are converting to Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Any electronic system will have its advantages and disadvantages, but with the implementation of EMR systems within medical facilities, there seems to be more benefits for the patient and caregiver than drawbacks. There’s an abundance of advantages when utilizing EMR in a facility, ranging from patient safety and security, decline in medical errors, cost efficiency and etc. Patient safety has always been essential in providing healthcare, and studies have shown that facilities with EMR systems or Computerized Physician order entry (CPOE) systems in place have seen serious medication errors reduced by up to 55%. In conjunction we also see that those facilities with EMR systems in place have had reductions in mortality rates. These computerized systems have also assisted in the preventative care, by providing physicians with reminders on things such as vaccinations. Researchers have found that reminders have increased vaccinations from 0% to upward 35%-50%. Specifically with the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, reflecting an increase in influenza from 47%-65% and pneumococcal 19%-41% for patients within hospitals. Ensuring that people are receiving their proper vaccinations decreases the likelihood of an outbreak within communities. Despite the benefits of EMR systems, researchers have found potential disadvantages; such as, finances, changes in workflow, privacy and security concerns and loss in productivity. Computer systems require a variety of hardware and software, upon installation and

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