The implementation of electronic health records aimed to imp

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Chandra Davis MIT 228 Professor Ouderkirk Chapter 6 Discussion November 5, 2023 Electronic health record (EHR) systems are designed to store and manage patient health information in a digital format. They can enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery and help data sharing and coordination among healthcare providers. However, EHR systems also present challenges and risks, including usability, safety, and liability issues. Several measures can be taken by facilities such as hospitals, EHR vendors, and the government to prevent errors and lawsuits associated with electronic health record (EHR) systems. One crucial way is improving the design of EHR systems. An EHR system can be redesigned to incorporate a more user-friendly interface and administer clear and concise documentation. Additionally, implementing alerts within the EHRs (Electronic Health Record) to prevent medication errors, drug interactions, and other risks can be beneficial. Training is also an important aspect, with proper education and orientation needed for medical staff to effectively use and navigate an EHR system. Hospitals, for example, should provide adequate training to ensure their staff are proficient in utilizing all the features and functionalities of the system. It is crucial to enforce testing and certification processes for EHR systems. These tests should focus on evaluating the safety, reliability, and usability of the systems. Regular

monitoring and updates should be conducted to pinpoint any necessary repairs or improvements that may arise. Technology has had a significant impact on communication in healthcare, revolutionizing the way healthcare providers and patients interact. These technologies can also be effective in the prevention of errors and may help prevent lawsuits. By investing in modern technology, hospitals can enhance patient safety, improve healthcare delivery, and reduce the risk of errors or negligence. For example, Patient Monitoring Systems can continuously track vital signs and alert healthcare providers in case of any abnormalities. Computerized Physician Order Entry or CPOE. These systems allow healthcare providers to electronically enter medication orders, reducing the likelihood of errors associated with handwritten prescriptions. Lastly, the Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) system. BCMA systems use barcoding to verify patient identity and medication before administration, reducing errors by ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and dosage. EHR vendors play a crucial role in reducing errors and lawsuits by implementing various strategies and features in their systems such as decision support systems, clinical documentation improvement, interoperability, and health information exchange, and regular updates and maintenance. D ecision support systems provide real-time alerts and reminders to healthcare providers about medication errors, drug interactions, or dangerous dosages. EHR vendors can design their systems to ease correct and comprehensive clinical documentation and include features such as templates, prompts, and built-in coding aid. This ensures that healthcare providers capture all relevant patient information. By enabling secure electronic communication, sharing patient information becomes more efficient, reducing errors that can occur due to fragmented or incomplete patient data. EHR vendors should also provide comprehensive

guidelines and continuous education to professionals to ensure they are up to date with changes or advancements in the system. Additionally, vendors should enforce thorough quality control measures throughout each stage of development, including the implementation of user feedback loops. This would mitigate potential errors before the system is implemented in a live healthcare environment. EHR vendors need to be open about any limitations and risks associated with their products as well. This transparency allows hospitals to make well-informed decisions about the choice of EHR systems. Furthermore, accountability should be generated for EHR vendors, hospitals, and medical staff in cases where errors or adverse events are caused by EHR systems. It is important for all parties involved to take responsibility for any mistakes or negative impacts resulting from the use of these systems. The government can contribute significantly to reducing errors, promoting patient safety, and protecting the privacy and security of healthcare data through various strategies and initiatives. They can generate clear and robust regulations that set standards for various industries including guidelines for safety, quality control, consumer protection, and more. Governments can monitor businesses and industries and enforce compliance with regulations by conducting regular inspections and audits. This helps maintain ambitious standards of compliance and reduces the likelihood of legal disputes. Education and awareness programs are another way governments can contribute. Investing in educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing guidance on best practices and promoting training programs, workshops, and guidelines, governments can help individuals and businesses understand and implement the necessary measures to reduce the likelihood of lawsuits and prevent errors. Dispute resolution mechanisms can be set up to prevent errors. Dispute

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resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, provide parties with a more cost- effective way of resolving conflicts, help alleviate the burden on the court system and, encourage parties to settle disputes amicably, reducing the number of lawsuits. In addition, the government can f oster collaboration between the government, EHR system vendors, and labs to gather feedback, share best practices, and improve the integration process. They can also support patients' rights by advocating for access to their own health records. Empowering individuals with the ability to access and control their healthcare information allows them to make informed decisions and have a more active role in managing their well- being. In the lawsuit of Rominski, filed in Los Angles in 2017, the results were delayed due to the EHR system, not being met with the lab system. To make certain this error is not repeated in other patients, hospitals and governments can w ork with vendors to correct any errors within the EHR systems. Healthcare providers could also work with EHR vendors to ensure the system can track changes and correct any errors. Adopting an EHR system with the capability to track changes can help healthcare providers detect and correct errors in real-time. Additionally, physicians should not be allowed to override EHR data, even if it is faulty. Alternatively, they should work with the vendor to correct the errors and staff need to be trained in EHR processes to minimize prescription and other errors. Physicians could have o utsourced medical transcription to an experienced service provider. Outsourcing medical transcription to an experienced service provider can help prevent potentially harmful errors. They could Implement

measures to make sure information is entered correctly and check the system ensuring the system is working effectively to avoid user errors. By adopting these measures, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of errors in EHR systems and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.