Debunking Common Myths About Electronic Patients Records

Technology has changed human history, for good. From the way we grow food to robotic surgeries, we have already come a long way. None of the sectors is an exception to the trend. This also takes in the health sector! 

EHR and Healthcare Revolution

Healthcare, just like any other industry, has been revolutionized with the intervention of technology. Recently I was studying a report on the best hospital management system software that left me wondering how we have completely changed the healthcare sector. Just like HMIS, electronic health records are also a popular trend in digital healthcare. 

Years down the lane, patient record management has shifted from paper files to digital documentation. These electronic health records are convenient because they can be quite accessible and can connect physicians in reference to patients’ health conditions. This results in better decision-making regarding a person’s health. 

Common Myths About EHR or Electronic Patient Records

Despite all the convenience and facilities, EHR has to offer, there are certain myths about these that hinder the mass adoption of these amazing technologies. If you are a healthcare service provider and have confusion regarding the use of EHR due to all the words you hear, then this article might be a perfect read for you.

Further, knowing the facts behind EHR will also help you to have realistic expectations from the technology. Here are some of the common EHR myths that need to be debunked. 

EHR alone is Enough!

Well, not really. Having an EHR system is not enough to make your healthcare facility self-sufficient. This can only enhance the efficiency of your place if it’s in the right hands.

Yes, you heard me right. Alongside EHR, you require proper staff training to get the maximum output and benefit from the technology. So, yes both are complementary to each other, and with time your EHR practices can get refined. 

All EHRs are the Same

EHRs are one of the finest technologies any healthcare facility should go behind. Whenever looking to adopt EHR, one must have multiple options. Many people believe that every EHR is the same and they will get the same output and services. However, that’s merely a myth. EHR systems come with different features and facilities. 

Any EHR you choose should be able to accommodate your healthcare facility’s requirements and should be customized to cater to specific patients’ needs. If not so, then an EHR is fairly not useful. So yes, you can conduct a demonstration before going for one system.

EHR is Expensive

This is another common myth about EHRs. Many people believe that using an EHR will add to their expenses. This ultimately leads to this popular myth about EHR that using an EHR can be expensive.

However, this isn’t completely true. Not every EHR costs the same and depending upon your specific requirements, you will need to choose the one that caters to your specific requirements. Furthermore, in comparison to the benefits we get from EHRs, investment is worth it and there is no second opinion on this.

Patient Data is Insecure with EHRs

MYTH and just a myth. Undoubtedly, EHR is one of the best technologies that can be adopted by healthcare sectors. Just because all the data goes online, many people believe that EHR is unsafe because it can make patients’ information public. 

This belief is even more strengthened by the news of data breaches that steal patients’ data and blackmail or exploit them. Though data security is a challenge in EHR this doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.

You just don’t put patient data online without proper security. There are many ways to protect your data with EHRs and these systems come with security options so, data security is not a big problem.

EHRs are a Problem for Physicians

This is another common myth about EHR that says that the adoption of EHRs is not the same and can be quite difficult to switch from manual to digital technology. However, this doesn’t make sense. Though, in the beginning, you may find it difficult to adopt the technology but with proper training and practice, you can get along with the system easily. 

Bottom Line!

EHR is a blessing for digital healthcare and the adoption of EHR can transform any medical setup. However, before going for these, you need to seek out advice for the selection of an appropriate EHR and choose a security counterpart for your EHR system.