Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR): Benefits and Barriers

1. Lesson 1- Introduction to Electronic Health Records

2. Lesson 1- Introduction to Health Information Technology • Objectives: • • Define the term EHR • • Recognize the purpose of and benefits of using an EHR • • Determine the aspects of Meaningful Use • • Identify barriers to use of an EHR

3. What is EHR? The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act outlines the development and implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the healthcare field. EHR System technologies- software systems used to create a single, digital health record for each client. HITECH Act- allocated over $20 billion to promote the adoption and use of EHR systems.

4. EHR vs EMS Electronic Health Record EHR- A digital record that is created, managed, and consulted by authorized providers and staff from across more than one health care organization. Electronic Medical Record EMR- A digital version of a paper chart of a client’s medical history that is stored in one healthcare provider’s office.

5. Benefits of EHR The HITECH Act seeks to improve client care and reduce costs through use of EHRs. According to the HITECH Act, the benefits of an EHR will include: 1. Present complete and accurate information about a client’s health to healthcare providers 2. Provide better and easier accessibility to health records 3. Empower clients to take a more active role in their health

6. Meaningful Use Program standards include: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created “Meaningful Use”, a financial incentive program to encourage national use of EHR technology in order to improve client care. • Collaborating with other healthcare providers to coordinate client care • Transmitting prescriptions directly to the pharmacy • Allowing clients to participate in their own care through access to PHR systems

7. What is an EHR? What information is included in an EHR? 1. Provider Documentation: Health care provider documentation, including details of current care and response to treatment 3. Pharmacy: Pharmacy notes, prescription records, and medication administration records 2. Ancillary Services: Documentation of additional services for related care, including laboratory reports, radiology reports, and nutrition assessments 4. Reports/Correspondence: Other reports and correspondence

8. Barriers to EHR? There are barriers that have prevented healthcare providers and facilities from totally relying on EHR systems. Cost: • Initial start-up costs • Ongoing support and maintenance • Liability Training: • User resistance and computer literacy • Training can be costly Patient privacy: • Protection of client’s PHR • Data breaches Compatibility: • Ability to share data across systems Workflow disruption: • System downtime

9. Lesson 1- Introduction to Health Information Technology • Summary: • • Define the term EHR • • Recognize the purpose of and benefits of using an EHR • • Determine the aspects of Meaningful Use • • Identify barriers to use of an EHR