Electronic health records continue to forgo patient safety when important health information is not available at the point of care due to technological systems inability to communicate with each other. Effective EHR interaction is not dependable despite the essentially instant transmission of information with technology, according to The Hill.
Here are some notes:
1. If electronic records delay forwarding health information, this could result in already completed medical tests being repeated and patients receiving prescriptions that may adversely interact with medicine they are currently taking.
2. An additional repercussion of a delay is increased costs for the patient and the healthcare system.
3. Without the necessary information provided by electronic health records, patients and providers cannot make informed decisions therefore impeding patients' safety, quality and effectiveness of care.
4. One source of the delays is the EHR software operating differently from its competitors. Its unique platform and applications do not readily communicate with other products.
5. Market competition additionally designs business incentives for vendors and health institutions to block the legitimate exchange of health information.
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