What are Shared Electronic Health Records (EHR)?
Shared
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ paper charts. They are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. EHRs contain patients' medical and treatment histories, and can include a broader view of a patient’s care, going beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office.
Improved Coordination of Care: Nurses can access updated patient information from multiple healthcare providers, improving the coordination of care and reducing the risk of errors.
Efficient Documentation: EHRs streamline the documentation process, freeing up more time for nurses to spend on direct patient care.
Better Decision Making: Access to comprehensive patient data supports informed decision-making, leading to better patient outcomes.
Medication Management: EHRs include features like electronic prescribing and alerts for potential drug interactions, which enhance medication safety.
Learning Curve: Adapting to new EHR systems can be time-consuming and requires adequate training and support.
Data Entry Burden: The need for detailed data entry can be overwhelming, potentially leading to burnout among nursing staff.
Privacy Concerns: Ensuring the privacy and security of patient information is paramount, and breaches can have serious consequences.
Interoperability Issues: Different EHR systems may not always communicate seamlessly, posing challenges in sharing information across different platforms.
Continuous Education: Regular training and staying updated with the latest EHR features and best practices can enhance proficiency.
Efficient Workflows: Developing efficient workflows and shortcuts can reduce the time spent on data entry and improve overall efficiency.
Collaboration: Collaborating with IT specialists and other healthcare professionals can help address technical issues and improve system usability.
Patient Engagement: Involving patients in their own care by encouraging the use of patient portals can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Will Shared EHRs Change the Future of Nursing?
Shared EHRs are poised to significantly influence the future of nursing. As technology continues to advance, EHR systems will become more intuitive and integrated, further enhancing
patient care and nursing efficiency. The ongoing development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare may also leverage EHR data to predict patient outcomes and support clinical decisions. Ultimately, shared EHRs will continue to evolve, shaping a more interconnected and data-driven healthcare landscape.
