Electronic Health Record Systems – There Are Downsides To The Software Systems Too

When you look at the revolution that has been brought about in the medical industry by the introduction of electronic health record systems, you cannot help but be amazed. Of course, these systems have created many advantages that are taking the healthcare fraternity towards a better tomorrow. The medical records of patients are now prepared and maintained in a much better and far more accurate manner which is more accessible and reliable than ever. But still, the system still has some lacuna that needs to be worked on and improved. These issues can today be used and argued as the disadvantages of using EMR systems in healthcare facilities. Let us take a look at them as well..

Privacy Issues

With a pen and paper system, you can understand that there is a limit to who can see your records. The people in close proximity to your file can of course use it in an unauthorised manner but that is all. But with electronic health record systems, since the data is digitized, it can be hacked and accessed from almost anywhere in the world. This privacy concern is a big issue with many people and will continue to be an issue until it is addressed for good.

Record Synchronisation

There has always been an issue with data synchronisation in which individuals being treated at different facilities could not have their information updated at the same time which could lead to healthcare providers not having updated information when they become available. Digitization of health records has solved this problem to some extent but efforts still need to be made to generate more accuracy and real time data updating to provide for better utility from these records.

High start up cost

One of the first things that any healthcare facility will notice when it comes to electronic health records systems is the huge amount of investment that they will have to put in to deploy the software in their organisation. The existing physical health records will have to be digitized and sorted and further protocols to be established. This is an investment of time, money as well as efforts in huge quantities – a humungous task that will give jitters to any medical administrator. Plus the benefits of using these systems do not become immediately visible which can generate some opposition to the idea of using the software at all.

Legal aspects

Taking the healthcare industry to court has in the past few decades been a lucrative venture for attorneys trying to right the wrong done to a patient, whether by omission or commission. Doctors are already practicing defensive medicine and electronic health record system brings a new potential avenue for litigation and revenue stream for lawyers. With a new system, anything can go wrong, the system could fail or the stored data stolen. This position can become even more fragile with digitized records and should be addressed accordingly.

You can visit Practicestudio.net to know more about electronic medical record systems.

About The Author

Allison Chase is an expert in electronic medical records systems who also likes to write many interesting articles and blogs on the topic, educating people about this technology and talking extensively about the benefits of this service. She recommends PracticeStudio.net as the most trustworthy name in this business.