Student Alaa Turkmany Professor Marroquin English 101a 27 Ju

Student 1alaa Turkmanyprofessor Marroquinenglish 101a27 June 2021socia

Identify a problem in your healthcare facility that might be resolved with technology. Select a healthcare technology and prepare a proposal that describes the technology, explains its purpose and importance in health information technology and integrated networks, details how it is used at your facility, discusses its role in care delivery, highlights its positive impact, and explains how it adheres to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.

Paper For Above instruction

In the modern landscape of healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality, efficiency, and safety of patient care. The integration of advanced healthcare technologies addresses persistent issues such as medical errors, inefficient data management, and fragmented communication systems. This paper proposes the implementation of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in a healthcare facility as a solution to improve overall service delivery and patient outcomes.

The selected healthcare technology is the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. An EHR is a digital version of a patient's paper chart, providing comprehensive, real-time access to patient data for authorized healthcare providers. Its core functions include collecting, storing, and sharing patient health information, such as medical history, medication lists, laboratory results, and radiology images. The purpose of implementing an EHR is to streamline information management, reduce errors, facilitate coordinated care, and enhance decision-making processes. The importance of EHRs in health information technology and integrated networks cannot be overstated, as they serve as the backbone for interoperability among various healthcare systems, ensuring seamless data exchange and continuity of care across departments and facilities.

At the healthcare facility in question, the EHR is used by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff. The system enables clinicians to access patient information during consultations, order tests, prescribe medications, and document care activities efficiently. It also allows for quick retrieval of historical health data, enabling providers to make informed decisions rapidly. Administrative staff utilize the EHR for scheduling, billing, and compliance reporting. The ease of data sharing within the facility improves communication among interdisciplinary teams and reduces redundancies, ultimately enhancing patient safety and satisfaction.

The role of EHR technology in care delivery is substantial. It facilitates a patient-centered approach by providing comprehensive and accurate health data, which supports personalized treatment plans. The technology promotes timely and coordinated care, especially in emergency situations, by allowing instant access to critical health information. Additionally, EHRs support clinical decision support systems (CDSS) that alert providers to potential adverse drug interactions, allergies, or lapses in preventive care, thereby reducing medical errors. The automation of documentation and order entry also minimizes manual errors and frees up healthcare professionals' time, allowing them to focus more on direct patient care.

The positive impact of EHR technology on healthcare delivery is evident through improved safety, efficiency, and quality of care. Studies have shown that EHRs reduce medication errors, enhance patient engagement, and improve adherence to clinical guidelines. They also facilitate data analysis for quality improvement initiatives, population health management, and research. The integration of EHRs with other health information systems supports a holistic view of patient health, enabling better management of chronic conditions and preventive care, which leads to improved health outcomes.

Furthermore, the adoption of EHRs aligns with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which emphasizes the use of health information technology to increase transparency, improve quality, and reduce costs. The ACA incentivizes healthcare providers to adopt meaningful use of EHRs through financial incentives and penalties. EHR implementation supports compliance with ACA objectives by promoting data sharing, improving reporting capabilities for quality metrics, and enhancing patient engagement through access to their health information. This alignment not only improves regulatory compliance but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.

In conclusion, the implementation of an Electronic Health Record system in a healthcare facility addresses several critical issues related to data management, care coordination, and patient safety. Its purpose and functions significantly contribute to modern health information technology and integrated networks. The technology's role in delivering timely, coordinated, and personalized care underscores its importance in contemporary healthcare. Additionally, adherence to ACA requirements ensures that the technology not only benefits patients and providers but also aligns with national healthcare improvement goals, ultimately fostering a more efficient and effective healthcare system.

References

  • Blumenthal, D., & Tavenner, M. (2010). The “Meaningful Use” Regulation for Electronic Health Records. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(6), 501–504.
  • Cohen, A. M., & Sweeney, J. (2017). Electronic Health Records and Their Impact on Patient Safety. Journal of Patient Safety, 13(4), 273–278.
  • Häyrinen, K., Saranto, K., & Nykänen, P. (2008). Definition, Structure, Content, Use and Impact of Electronic Health Records: A Review of the Research Literature. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 77(5), 291–304.
  • Jones, S. S., et al. (2014). Health IT and Patient Safety: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 21(4), 563–569.
  • McGinnis, J. M., et al. (2012). The Role of Electronic Health Records in Improving Health Care. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(8), 683–685.
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). (2019). Advancing Interoperability and Patient Access to Data. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Sanderson, S. C., et al. (2019). Impact of Electronic Health Records on Urban and Rural Healthcare Delivery. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(2), 131–136.
  • Shanafelt, T., et al. (2017). Electronic Health Records and Physician Burnout. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(4), 576–586.
  • Sinsky, C. A., et al. (2013). EHR-Related Physician Burnout: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 28(11), 1604–1607.
  • Vest, J. R., & Gamm, L. D. (2010). Health Information Exchange: Persistent Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 17(3), 288–294.

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