Healthcare

Should all systems be required to utilize a unified EMR?

A unified ERM facilitates the efficient transfer of health records among different healthcare providers. A unified EMR improves the efficiency of patient care (Harbi, 2021). This is whereby healthcare providers would gain access to a patient’s complete clinical history without manually entering the information. In addition, the accuracy of clinical records would be improved, as the information gathered would be more accurate. Accuracy records assist in preventing medical errors. Therefore, a unified EMR would eliminate the possibility of medical errors.

Moreover, a unified EMR would improve the ability of healthcare providers to communicate with patients and other healthcare providers. This is true primarily when the patient cannot communicate verbally. Lastly, a unified EMR will help healthcare providers share information among themselves, especially in a medical emergency (Harbi, 2021). This would provide instant access to all the healthcare providers involved. Notably, this will reduce the time and time required to transfer information.

Role physicians and other providers have in developing or selecting an EMR

Physicians and other providers play a vital role in developing or selecting an EMR. They are the ones that create the health records and make the final decisions regarding the EMR (Ebardo et al., 2019). Thus, they should decide on the EMR they would like to utilize. Additionally, they are the ones that use the machine, and it is in their best interest to make sure that the EMR is user-friendly. Compared to non-specialists, they know what they want and how a machine should function. Lastly, physicians and other providers know the in and out of the EMR system; thus, they can ensure that their patients will not be exposed to unnecessary complications. Remarkably, providers should be involved in the selection or development of EMR.

How to address the concerns of your provider staff

As the CIO for Pacific, I would address their concerns about the EMR by providing them with all the necessary information. I would ensure that they are well informed about the EMR offered to them and know its benefits and shortcomings. Additionally, I would also ensure that they understand using the machine and its limitations. Understanding the limitations will prevent a provider from placing an unrealistic request or demand on the EMR (Stafford & Treiblmaier, 2020). For example, they may want to be able to transfer any information on their patient, but this can only be done if the health records are created on the EMR. I would also provide them with information and resources in terms of EMR training so that they can be helped in learning how to use it. Thus, the training will assist them in getting accustomed to the EMR.

Likewise, I would also ensure that the providers are kept updated on the changes and advancements of the EMR. This will be achieved through holding regular meetings with the providers in order for them to get updates about the EMR. The regular meeting enables them to be constantly informed about the changes and advancements of the machine. Lastly, I would also ensure that my staff is well acquainted with their job, including their roles, responsibilities, and relationships with patients, physician groups, compliance mandates, and other healthcare organizations. The staff must have excellent knowledge to effectively execute their role in information technology (IT) systems. Thus, I would ensure that the staff is well informed regarding their job description and responsibilities.

Recommendations to address the issues brought forth by the specialty services

There are various recommendations that I would make to address the issues brought forth by the specialty services. The first recommendation entails the development of a comprehensive ERP system that can be used by all specialty services such as radiology, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. The system would be vital since these services will continuously be involved in multiple medical procedures and benefit from a reliable ERP system that can facilitate their workflow. It is also vital that these services do not have much control over the existing EMR systems currently in use. Thus, developing a new ERP system will facilitate their workflow.

Additionally, I would implement a new ERP system as it is vital to specialty services. Because of its importance, I would make sure that whatever EMR system has been developed is used by all specialty services. This can be done by ensuring that no other systems are being used and that the old systems are being phased out. Therefore, implementing the new ERP system should be organized according to the order of specialty services.

Also, I would recommend that there should be a unified EMR system for all the specialty services. A unified EMR would eliminate the possibility of medical errors and will improve their ability to communicate with patients, other healthcare providers, and other facilities (Stafford & Treiblmaier, 2020). This is true, especially when the patient cannot communicate verbally. For example, if a patient has fallen at home and needs to be transported to a hospital for treatment, the ERP will allow the medical staff to view their health records from home. Thus, it would greatly benefit both parties involved.

Lastly, I would recommend that physicians and other providers be actively involved in developing or selecting the new ERP system. I would have them be trained to select the most appropriate EMR. Furthermore, they should also be given a comprehensive understanding of how it can benefit their practice. Thus, they will not make unrealistic demands on the EMR or commit to using it if it is incompatible with their practice. Overall, I believe that the above recommendations will help address the issues brought forth by specialty services and ensure that they are working efficiently with all medical records systems being used in their practice.

References

Ebardo, R. A., & Celis, N. J. (2019, April). Barriers to the adoption of electronic medical records in select Philippine hospitals: A case study approach. In Proceedings of the 2019 5th International Conference on Computing and Artificial Intelligence (pp. 123-128).

Harbi, A. (2021). Health care Expert’s readiness to implement National Unified Medical Records (NUMR) system in the United Arab Emirates; A Qualitative study. Informatica, 45(5).

Stafford, T. F., & Treiblmaier, H. (2020). Characteristics of a blockchain ecosystem for secure and sharable electronic medical records. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 67(4), 1340-1362.