EHR Pros, Cons, MU Impact.
ANSWER
Pros of EHRs:
Item | Rationale |
---|---|
Improved Access | EHRs allow healthcare providers to access patient records quickly and remotely, leading to more efficient patient care. |
Enhanced Safety | EHRs can help reduce medication errors, allergies, and adverse events by providing real-time clinical information. |
Better Coordination | EHRs facilitate care coordination by allowing different healthcare providers to share patient information easily. |
Cons of EHRs:
Item | Rationale |
---|---|
Data Security Issues | EHRs can be vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks, putting patients’ confidential information at risk. |
Learning Curve | Transitioning to EHR systems can be challenging for healthcare professionals and may lead to temporary decreased productivity. |
Interoperability | Some EHR systems do not effectively communicate with one another, hindering seamless patient data exchange. |
Now, let’s discuss how two Stage 3 Meaningful Use objectives may impact your role as an APN in clinical practice:
- Objective: Provide patients the ability to view, download, and transmit their health information electronically.
This objective encourages healthcare organizations to offer patients the option to access their health information through patient portals or similar platforms. As an APN, this can impact your clinical practice positively. Patients having easy access to their records can lead to increased patient engagement and empowerment. They can review their health history, lab results, and treatment plans, which can lead to more informed discussions during appointments. You may need to educate patients on how to use these tools effectively and address their questions, thus enhancing your role as a patient educator and advocate.
- Objective: Use computerized provider order entry (CPOE) for medication, laboratory, and radiology orders.
CPOE requires healthcare providers to enter medication, laboratory, and radiology orders electronically, reducing the likelihood of errors. As an APN, this can impact your clinical practice by enhancing patient safety. You’ll need to adapt to this technology and ensure that your orders are accurate and transmitted correctly. While it may require some adjustments to your workflow, it contributes to a safer and more efficient practice, as you can review and manage patient orders more conveniently, reducing the risk of medication errors and streamlining the ordering process.
These Stage 3 Meaningful Use objectives highlight how EHRs can improve patient engagement and safety, but also require healthcare providers, including APNs, to adapt to new technological processes for the benefit of patient care.
Question Description
I’m working on a health & medical discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
As discussed in the lesson and assigned reading for this week, EHRs provide both benefits and drawbacks. Create a “Pros” versus “Cons” table and include at least 3 items for each list. Next to each item, provide a brief rationale as to why you selected to include it on the respective list.
Refer to the Stage 3 objectives for Meaningful Use located in this week’s lesson under the heading Meaningful Use and the HITECH Act. Select two objectives to research further. In your own words, provide a brief discussion as to how the objective may impact your role as an APN in clinical practice.