Electronic Health Records are digital versions of patient health records that maintain and update patient health information in real-time, allowing authorized healthcare providers to access and share patient information securely across healthcare settings.
Key Features and Functions
EHRs serve as comprehensive digital repositories containing:
- Patient medical history
- Diagnoses and treatments
- Medications and allergies
- Lab and test results
- Treatment plans
- Immunization records
Practical Applications and Benefits
EHRs demonstrate their value in scenarios like emergency care, where doctors can instantly access a patient’s complete medical history, allergies, and current medications. This immediate access to information:
- Reduces medical errors
- Prevents duplicate testing
- Improves care coordination
- Enables better clinical decision-making
- Enhances patient safety