Empowering Patients through Electronic Health Records: A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare

QUESTION

Respond to the following discussion:

5-1 Discussion: Electronic Health Record

With the advent of electronic health records (EHR) becoming more accessible to patients worldwide, client preferences have become more visible. Recent studies have shown that patients are more agreeable to voicing their personal preferences than in the past when asked their opinion on controlling access to EHRs (Schwartz et al., 2014). Of the patients surveyed, preferences were attributed to what type of information would be divulged and to whom. The majority (57.1%) chose not to limit access to listed healthcare providers. In comparison, 75% of patients were agreeable to sharing non-sensitive information with providers other than their primary care physician, and 70% were agreeable to sharing potentially sensitive data with their non-primary care providers (Schwartz et al., 2014). As the EHR continues to replace paper records and become the norm, patients are more willing and interested in becoming active participants in determining the dissemination of their health information.

Patients insist on being “kept in the loop” regarding their health. EHRs are a means to facilitate better communication between the patient’s healthcare team and the patient. “It is increasingly clear that better outcomes result when patients are well informed and engaged in their care” (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). EHRs have emerged as a way to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare and health disparities in population health (Keshta & Odeh, 2021). I work in an emergency department and have seen a noticeable trend lately. In the past, patients would tie up a room waiting for BASIC lab information, I.E., a COVID swab to result. Once this information, which could take a few hours, became available, the lab results would be given to the patient, and the patient would be discharged. With the emergence of electronic health records, patients are now allowed to leave the emergency department and go online within a few hours to review their lab results. Patients can access their lab results, so they no longer need to waste their time sitting around in the ER. The room occupied is now available for new patients needing treatment.

References

Keshta, I., & Odeh, A. (2021). Security and privacy of electronic health records: Concerns and challenges. Egyptian Informatics Journal, 22(2), 177-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eij.2020.07.003

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2021). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Schwartz, P. H., Caine, K., Alpert, S. A., Meslin, E. M., Carroll, A. E., & Tierney, W. M. (2014). Patient preferences in controlling access to their electronic health records: A prospective cohort study in primary care. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 30(S1), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-014-3054-z

ANSWER

Empowering Patients through Electronic Health Records: A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare

Introduction

The widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has transformed the way healthcare is delivered and how patients engage with their health information. Recent studies have revealed a significant shift in patient preferences concerning the control and access to their EHRs. This discussion explores the impact of EHRs on patient preferences, the benefits of patient engagement through EHRs, and their role in improving healthcare outcomes. Additionally, it examines a real-life example of how EHRs have positively influenced patient care in an emergency department setting.

Patient Preferences and Control over EHRs

Studies, such as the one conducted by Schwartz et al. (2014), demonstrate that patients are increasingly interested in being involved in determining the dissemination of their health information. The research revealed that the majority of patients (57.1%) chose not to limit access to their listed healthcare providers. This newfound openness shows that patients are now more willing to share their health data with their entire care team, enhancing care coordination and overall patient outcomes.

The Importance of Patient Engagement through EHRs

Patient empowerment and active engagement in healthcare decisions have proven to improve healthcare outcomes. Patients who are well-informed and engaged in their care tend to have better results (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). EHRs have emerged as a pivotal tool in fostering better communication between patients and their healthcare teams. By providing patients with access to their health records, they can actively participate in their care, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans and better disease management.

EHRs in the Emergency Department: A Positive Impact

As illustrated in the real-life example provided, EHRs have revolutionized the workflow in the emergency department. Traditionally, patients would occupy a room while waiting for basic lab results, such as a COVID swab. With EHRs, patients can now access their lab results online within a few hours, allowing them to leave the emergency department earlier. This efficiency improves patient flow and frees up rooms for new patients who need immediate treatment. EHRs have thus demonstrated their role in streamlining patient care and enhancing overall healthcare service delivery.

Conclusion

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) into healthcare has significantly transformed patient preferences and their involvement in managing their health information. Patients are increasingly open to sharing their data with their care teams, leading to improved care coordination and better outcomes. EHRs have empowered patients to actively engage in their care, resulting in improved adherence to treatment plans and disease management. In practical terms, EHRs have positively impacted patient care in various healthcare settings, such as the emergency department, by improving workflow efficiency and patient flow. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of EHRs in patient-centered care and improved health outcomes will undoubtedly become even more prominent.