Electronic Medical Records-Milestone Two
Electronic Medical Records
Jennifer Maher
NUR-305
Southern New Hampshire University
1
, Electronic Medical Records-Milestone Two
On February 17, 2009 the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health
Act (HITECH) was signed into law as part of the “stimulus package” that is designed to
encourage widespread use of electronic medical records (Menaechmi, 2011). The definition of
EMR according to the Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing is as follows: a
computerized repository for a patient's health information providing information to members of
the health care team regarding a clinical encounter. Many systems can also provide decision
support, quality assurance information and outcome data (2012). Within EMR systems you can
find and/or maintain a patient’s information such as medical history, demographics, healthcare
providers including specialists, progress notes, medications, immunizations, laboratory and
radiological reports and vital signs. EMR systems have come a long way over the past decade
and have replaced most paper charts and written documentation helping to improve patient care
and outcomes. Healthcare is everchanging and with that change comes increased use of
technology. The use of EMR systems will continue to strengthen the relationship between
healthcare providers and patients.
Advantages and Disadvantages
In today’s world technology is an essential part of healthcare. The use of computers and
medical software is daily practice and has transformed healthcare delivery in numerous different
ways. However, as with any technologic software system there are both advantages and
disadvantages. The goal of EMRs is to produce high-quality, patient-centered care that is
efficient and effective throughout the current healthcare system and beyond (McGonigle &
Mastrian, 2018). As with all technology there are advantages and disadvantages associated with
the use of EMR.
2
Electronic Medical Records
Jennifer Maher
NUR-305
Southern New Hampshire University
1
, Electronic Medical Records-Milestone Two
On February 17, 2009 the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health
Act (HITECH) was signed into law as part of the “stimulus package” that is designed to
encourage widespread use of electronic medical records (Menaechmi, 2011). The definition of
EMR according to the Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing is as follows: a
computerized repository for a patient's health information providing information to members of
the health care team regarding a clinical encounter. Many systems can also provide decision
support, quality assurance information and outcome data (2012). Within EMR systems you can
find and/or maintain a patient’s information such as medical history, demographics, healthcare
providers including specialists, progress notes, medications, immunizations, laboratory and
radiological reports and vital signs. EMR systems have come a long way over the past decade
and have replaced most paper charts and written documentation helping to improve patient care
and outcomes. Healthcare is everchanging and with that change comes increased use of
technology. The use of EMR systems will continue to strengthen the relationship between
healthcare providers and patients.
Advantages and Disadvantages
In today’s world technology is an essential part of healthcare. The use of computers and
medical software is daily practice and has transformed healthcare delivery in numerous different
ways. However, as with any technologic software system there are both advantages and
disadvantages. The goal of EMRs is to produce high-quality, patient-centered care that is
efficient and effective throughout the current healthcare system and beyond (McGonigle &
Mastrian, 2018). As with all technology there are advantages and disadvantages associated with
the use of EMR.
2
