What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of EMR?
Ludwick and Doucette are medical researchers from New York, USA. Their study discusses the lessons that are learned from using electronic medical records. In their discussion, they say that electronic forms of storing and retrieving medical records have become inevitable. Most medical institutions throughout the world have adopted this new system. Also, they say that electronic medical records have had an impact on the medical world in both positive and negative ways. However, the positive aspects associated with the use of medical records outweigh the negative effects, according to them. It is because electronic records are more accurate than humans. They then conclude by saying that the use of electronic records is bound to get better as technology keeps improving and that in the future, it is likely even to make it much simpler. Their study relied on the comprehensive literature review of 9 medical college websites, 27 journal websites, and 22 government websites. From this database, 46 articles met their criteria. My research found that there are various advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of medical records related directly to their research. They say that “Adaption of electronic medical records is a method of reducing the gap between supply and demand in healthcare.” (Ludwick & Doucette, 2009)
Berner, Detmer, and Simborg are renowned Information Technology researchers that focus on the use of technology in the medical field. Their research reveals the history of the use of computerized medical systems from the 1960s until 2005. Their research was done on medical websites and focused on two time periods. It was between the 1960s-1980s and also from 1980s-2005. In their discussion, they state that during the introduction of computerized systems, many challenges were facing the medical field. It was particularly by medical practitioners. They say that the practitioners were hesitant during the introduction because they thought it would be cumbersome. They then conclude that the perception of the use of technology and computer in the medical field has changed a lot since its onset. It is because, despite computers posing a threat to jobs in the medical field, they have made work much easier. Their research relates to mine because it focuses on electronic medical records. They also discuss the benefits and disadvantages that have been experienced since the 1960s till 2005. They say, “The use of information technology in healthcare has become an important aspect in our society, and it is an aspect that cannot be neglected.” (Berner,Detmer & Simborg, 2005).
Bates, Ebell, Gotlieb, and Mullins are medical researchers from New Jersey, USA. Their study gives insights into the consequences of using electronic medical records in healthcare. They argue that countries that use electronic medical records have a higher rate of customer satisfaction than those that do not. They further state that only a few medical practitioners use electronic medical records even though they were introduced a while back. They believe that the use of electronic medical records by all medical institutions will help save resources such as time and space despite the drawbacks that come with its use. It is because electronic medical records give fast access to information and do not need physical space to store the records. They did their study by visiting various medical institutions that used electronic records and observed their effects on medical service. Their research relates to my study because they discuss the benefits that countries that have incorporated electronic medical records yield. They also discuss the disadvantages of using electronic medical records. My study involves the benefits and drawbacks related to the use of electronic medical records in the medical world, and this relates a lot to their research. They say, “It is critical for medical providers to have all the required information in their provision of services.” (Bates et al., 2003)
Makoul, Curry, and Tang are medical researchers from Philadelphia, USA. Their research was based on communication patterns that exist through electronic medical records in an outpatient setting. They highlight that there is a crucial need for fast and efficient services in outpatient settings. They argue that electronic medical records are the catalyst required for this achievement. They conclude by stating that caution should be observed to reduce the barriers that exist in the use of electronic medical records. It is because some patients and healthcare workers are still resistant to the adaptation of technology, mostly in regards to their safety. They analyzed videotaped patient-physician encounters. Their study relates to my research because they both focus on the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic medical records. They say, ” EMR systems enhance physicians’ abilities to finish information-intensive tasks but make it difficult for them to focus on other aspects like patient communication.” (Makoul, Curry & Tang, 2001).
Weiner, Stump, Callahan, and McDonald are medical researchers from New York USA. Their research highlights how electronic medical records have improved the various aspects of the medical industry. They state that the number of patients attended has increased steadily. It is because it has become simpler to access patient medical history. They also discuss the way electronic medical records have had a direct effect on other aspects of healthcare. They achieve their study by conducting a cross-sectional analysis of data from various medical institutions. It relates to my research because both highlight the positive and negative attributes attached to the use of electronic medical records. They say, ” Electronic medical records have simplified work in the medical field because of the easy of accessing patient medical history.” (Weiner et al., 2005).
References
Ludwick, D. A., & Doucette, J. (2009). Adopting electronic medical records in primary care:
lessons learned from health information systems implementation experience in seven countries. International journal of medical informatics, 78(1), 22-31.
Berner, E. S., Detmer, D. E., & Simborg, D. (2005). Will the wave finally break? A brief view of
the adoption of electronic medical records in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 12(1), 3-7.
Bates, D. W., Ebell, M., Gotlieb, E., Zapp, J., & Mullins, H. C. (2003). A proposal for electronic
medical records in US primary care. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 10(1), 1-10.
Makoul, G., Curry, R. H., & Tang, P. C. (2001). The use of electronic medical records:
communication patterns in outpatient encounters. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 8(6), 610-615.
Weiner, M., Stump, T. E., Callahan, C. M., Lewis, J. N., & McDonald, C. J. (2005). Pursuing
integration of performance measures into electronic medical records: beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist medications. BMJ Quality & Safety, 14(2), 99-106.