There have been several articles published in the last few weeks about the push to electronic medical records and prescribing. Just as technology has changed every other part of our lives, it is also changing medicine. The US government is now recommending electronic medical records and prescribing. The purpose of this recommendation is to improve the quality and care provided. Since computers can be programmed to analyze so much data, the thought is if medicine uses them, the errors that occur in medicine will be reduced.
Many Different Program Formats
From outside the world of medicine, the use of computers sounds like a wonderful idea that may solve many problems. In reality, computers are only tools that can help handle the data that is present. The computer programs and system are only as good as the information that is assembled, and the ease and clarity of its presentation.
There are many different program formats for medical records. Most hospitals, physician offices, and medical facilities end up using their own program, and none of these can communicate with each other. To further complicate the issue, it seems that everyone is concerned that only appropriate people can access any of the information due to privacy rights. As a result, there is a lot of information in electronic form, but the use of it to improve medical quality and safety is almost impossible. Therefore, electronic records, and electronic prescribing are no better than the ability of any person using the information and translating its importance.
A Fully Integrated Data System
Healthcare in other parts of the world is often better than the US due to the fact that all health information is part of a universal healthcare system. All medical data then is kept in one place, one system, and is shared by all providers. Parts of information are not scattered or hidden, and the picture that the data provides can be better analyzed. The critical feature is that all medical information is kept in a central place and every provider uses the same information on each patient.
Until the United States becomes serious about changes in how electronic medical records are used and integrated into a universal data system, improvements in patient safety will be limited. Computers can help with data management, and sometimes help prevent the worst of errors. The limits to computers help in the medical system at this time are significant until we get past our concerns of privacy, security, and the need for a fully integrated data system. At this time, in the United States it does not look like this will happen. Computers are well known for the phrase “junk in, junk out.” Patient safety and health will only improve small amounts with the use of computers, electronic medical records, and prescribing.