Security Vulnerabilities in Centralized Digital Records
First, EPIC’s centralized digital patient record storage introduces security vulnerabilities that threaten the privacy and reliability of patient information. Data leaks, hacks, and unauthorized access are all major worries. Robust security measures must be put in place to fix security flaws. Data encryption, permission-based access, and routine audits are all part of this. To reduce the likelihood of data breaches, employees should undergo extensive training on cybersecurity best practices.
Threats from System Failures and Data Loss
Second, hardware failures, software bugs, and cyberattacks are some threats that might affect data stored electronically. In the healthcare industry, patient records and other vital information might be irretrievably lost if data is lost. The solution to this problem is to create a robust data backup and recovery plan. Electronic health records should be backed up regularly, preferably to a remote server or the cloud.
Interoperability Challenges in EHR Systems
Third, the lack of a standard format for EHRs makes it difficult for healthcare practitioners and systems to share patient data efficiently. As a result, it becomes more difficult to provide high-quality, coordinated treatment for patients. The solution is to push for the creation and widespread use of interoperability standards. Working together, industry players can facilitate data exchange and improve intersystem communication.
The Role of Nurses as Change Agents in Healthcare Informatics
Implementing these solutions and achieving significant change in healthcare informatics requires nurses to serve as change agents. Leadership and advocacy include discussing the issues with hospital officials, IT workers, and coworkers. Then, work with the information technology group and other interested parties to design and implement employee training and education initiatives. There is a need to monitor how well the new methods are working and use employee input to pinpoint any problems.
Benefits and Strengths of EPIC Technology
It should be stressed that some benefits of EPIC technology include time savings, easier data organization, and more features. The technology helps doctors and nurses save time by making patient data easy to find and organize (Weiner, 2019). Keeping patient data in one central location makes it less likely to be lost or misplaced and can be accessed quickly and easily. Decision support tools, drug management systems, and clinical reminders are all part of EPIC’s all-encompassing software, which helps healthcare practitioners offer evidence-based treatment while minimizing the potential for human error. Better health outcomes are achieved by integrating patients’ health records as part of a coordinated care approach.
Reference
Weiner, M. (2019). Forced inefficiencies of the electronic health record. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34, 2299–2301. Web.