What are the benefits of Electronic Health Record Systems?

(Published in 2011)

In the Fifth Century B. C., Hippocrates wanted to have two main goals for medical records. It should accurately reflect the course of the disease and indicate the probable cause of the disease. These goals are still valid to today, either with the paper-based or electronic health records. Although paper-based clinical records address the basic goals, electronic health records systems can also provide additional functionality which cannot be achieved by existing paper-based systems. (3)

Advantages (4)

Improve the quality of care
Reduction in medical errors
Promote evidence-based medicine
Record keeping and mobility
Interactive alerts
Better financial and operational outcomes

Disadvantages

Cost
Startup costs
Implementation Costs
Training Costs
Software Maintenance Costs
Time
Privacy Issues
Legal Issues
Technical Issues