Patient Data: Electronic versus Paper-Based Systems in Healthcare Implementation
Overview
This paper examines the transition from paper-based to electronic health records (EHR) in healthcare facilities and its impact on nursing roles and organizational efficiency. It argues that EHR implementation has transformed nursing practice through the emergence of specialized roles like Nurse Informaticist while significantly improving patient data accessibility, retrieval processes, and overall healthcare cost-effectiveness.
What this essay covers
- Question 1: Evolution of nursing roles due to EHR implementation and the emergence of Nurse Informaticist positions, comparing technical tasks between electronic and paper-based systems
- Question 2: Improvements in locating missing patient information through EHR search capabilities versus manual paper-based retrieval methods and inter-facility communication
- Question 3: Cost reduction and efficiency gains in healthcare facilities through EHR adoption, including reduced transcription costs and improved documentation
Preview
PATIENT DATA: ELECTRONIC VS. PAPER-BASED
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Question 1
The implementation of EHR in healthcare facilities has resulted in changes in job descriptions. The role of nurses, in particular, has evolved significantly in this respect resulting in what is called Nurse Informaticist. This is an expansion of the current position of nurses because of technology incorporation and data science in healthcare. Electronic Health Records are central to the data aspect, which seeks to effectively capture patient data and deploy analysis outcomes in shaping decisions. Such specialists are master prepared and are responsible for assessing, planning, training, implementing, evaluating, and improving projects related to data included in EHR systems. The technical tasks in EHR systems include mandate individuals to understand basic operations of computers and data software to be able to transmit information across the organization. Contrarily, the paper system would involve endless perusal of physical files in search of information. Manual tasks include filling of forms, analysis of data, and generating insights from the data without the aid of any technology (Akhu‐Zaheya et al., 2018). The changes due to EHR simplified this process, making it easier to capture, store, retrieve, and share information.
Question 2
One key area of remarkable improvement resulting from EHR is the process of locating missing patient information. Under the paper-based system, this would mean contacting other service providers and waiting for such data to be delivered physically. The process is long and tiresome, and even terminal in emergencies.