Globally, healthcare institutions have rapidly started to adopt electronic health records systems as a substitute for paper-based documentation. The computerization of data is not a novel concept, yet it still manages to gather much attention due to the controversies surrounding the process of digitizing information collection and storage. As with any other invention, electronic health records have many advantages and disadvantages.
One of the primary benefits of computerization in healthcare is an increased quality of care that it allows achieving. Digital data is less likely to include errors, while handwritten notes are much more prone to being misrepresented. The next crucial advantage is efficiency since computerization facilitates collaboration and data sharing with other providers. It also facilitates much easier automated billing and reduces the number of resources hospitals have used in the past to store paperwork. As for potential advantages for researchers, electronic medical records serve as “an excellent tool for “big data” research through the huge amount of clinical information that is stored in the database” (Alpert, 2016, p. 49). As for the direct benefits for patients, electronic health records provide patients with access to their personal medical information.
In regards to disadvantages, privacy and security are among the biggest concerns concerning healthcare computerization. After all, storing sensitive personal data on computers makes it vulnerable to hacker attacks (Fragidis & Chatzoglou, 2018). Some of the potential financial issues include the high costs of technology adoption and the possible loss of productivity. All in all, it is evident that the advantages of the computerization of medical records far outweigh the disadvantages. Electronic health records are an exceptionally useful tool, yet they will continue to evolve to fit the needs of the time and minimize the drawbacks associated with their implementation.
References
Alpert, J. S. (2016). I The electronic medical record in 2016: Advantages and disadvantages. Digital Medicine, 2(2), 48-51. Web.
Fragidis, L.L., & Chatzoglou, P. D. (2018). Implementation of a nationwide electronic health record (EHR): The international experience in 13 countries. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 31(2), 116-130. Web.