Electronic Health Records and Hospital Readmission Rates: A Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Analysis
Overview
This paper critiques qualitative research examining the relationship between Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and hospital readmission rates. The author explores how EHR technology, combined with provider perspectives, can identify patients for readmission prevention programs and reduce the estimated 80% readmission rate, while considering ethical implications of such implementation.
What this coursework covers
- Background of Study: Overview of hospital readmission problems, EHR technology benefits, and previous research by Flaks-Manov et al. (2020) and Mirani and Harpalani (2015)
- Research Questions: Multiple inquiries about EHR effectiveness, physician decision-making, readmission rate reduction, and patient selection for prevention programs
- Purpose and Scope: Examination of direct and indirect impacts of EHR use on readmission and mortality rates among Medicare patients across specific medical conditions
Preview
Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations
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Background of Study
It is estimated that about 80% of patients are readmitted to their respective discharge hospitals (Baillie et al., 2013). Generally, the rates of unplanned hospital readmissions have been heightened by the lack of efficiency in the accessibility of medical data. Furthermore, the readmissions have also led to severe cost implications but can be avoided. Because of the federal financial readmission penalties, there has been a need to incorporate hospital initiatives to reduce readmissions. Most hospital teams have associated electronic health records with improving Healthcare quality. The technology serves as a solution to medical organizations striving to improve their health care management and quality. EHR systems collect and retrieve patient records, and this feature minimizes the use of filing systems, which is time-consuming.
Moreover, these systems also save on operational costs and space used by the organization. EHR systems serve as a central interactive space between patients and doctors. Employees within the organization can access clinical data from these systems. Patients can also receive medical prescriptions without having to interact face to face with physicians. Moreover, these systems can also be merged with several add-ons to enhance the system’s versatility. Furthermore, physicians depend on Electronic Health Records for several uses such as referrals, accessing medical histories, ordering, or viewing lab results. Incorporating electronic health records may be essential in group patients' strategies in risk status and introduce targeted interventions.