The healthcare industry has undergone a significant transformation with digital medical records. Healthcare providers are witnessing a substantial reduction in errors, leading to improved care and treatment effectiveness. The impact of digital records on healthcare is far-reaching, touching upon several aspects of patient care. Here, we share some of the useful insights on how digitised records have streamlined healthcare.
- Improved coordination and access:
One of the most notable benefits of digital medical records is the improved coordination and access they provide. Healthcare professionals can easily retrieve a patient’s medical history with a few clicks. This level of accessibility ensures that patients receive comprehensive treatment. The digital format eliminates the barriers of physical location and availability, allowing for real-time sharing of information. This not only speeds up the decision-making process but also ensures that all healthcare providers are on the same page regarding a patient’s care plan.
- Greater efficiency and less inconvenience:
Doctors can easily access crucial information about a patient’s medical history, without having to repeat diagnostic procedures unnecessarily. This not only saves time and resources but also reduces the inconvenience and discomfort that patients often experience during repeated testing. The ease of access to important information has streamlined the process of diagnosing and treating patients.
- Reduction of mistakes:
Manual record-keeping is susceptible to human error such as illegible handwriting or omitted information. Digital records, on the other hand, incorporate checks and balances to ensure the completeness and accuracy of patient data. This meticulous approach to documentation greatly reduces the incidence of medical errors.
- Better connection with patients:
Digital record systems often feature patient portals. Through these portals, patients can access their medical records, communicate directly with their doctors, and manage appointments. This level of engagement empowers patients, making them active participants in their own healthcare journey. It fosters a better understanding of their conditions and treatments.
- Compliance and reporting:
To ensure compliance with established guidelines and regulations, healthcare facilities need to maintain accurate and up-to-date records. A digital medical records system can help with this task. By digitising patient data, healthcare professionals can easily access patient information, track medical history, and monitor treatment progress. Also, with digital medical records, reporting of quality control measures and billing procedures becomes easier.
- Personalised medicine:
By providing healthcare practitioners with extensive information about a patient’s medical history, including past drug interactions and responses to treatments, these records help them plan tailored care plans.
Are digital medical records and electronic medication administration record same?
Digital Medical Records are a comprehensive digital record of a patient’s health history, which includes information such as diagnoses, allergies, medications, lab results, imaging studies, doctor’s notes, and procedures. They are used by healthcare providers for various purposes, including diagnosis, treatment planning, progress monitoring, and care coordination. On the other hand, Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMARs) are specifically focused on the medication and medication administration aspect of a patient’s treatment. eMARs are used by nurses and caregivers to document medication orders, verify patient information, administer medications accurately, and record outcomes.
