Electronic medical records (EMRs) digitize your paper medical records and, when properly implemented, can generate a positive return on investment and improve organizational efficiency. The major drawbacks of paperwork are that it hinders a healthcare institution’s ability to treat patients and slows down processes. An EMR system eliminates these issues and offers a host of benefits to healthcare organizations. Here are just a few reasons to switch from paper records to EMRs.
1. Better communication
Fast and accurate communication between medical departments is key to providing quality healthcare. From staying in touch with ambulance staff to instantly contacting emergency room doctors, a healthcare institution must have an effective means of communication, and this is where an EMR system comes in.
EMR software enables frontline staff to quickly transfer a patient’s medical records to other departments in real time. When the patient’s information is recorded in the system, other medical staff will no longer need to question the patient about his or her conditions again, and can proceed to treating the patient in a timely manner.
2. Lower costs
Reducing operational costs is a must for hospitals operating on a tight budget, and cutting redundant expenses is therefore necessary. When it comes to paper records, a hospital could be using over hundreds of thousands of sheets of paper each year.
By implementing an EMR system, hospitals can reduce the labor behind recordkeeping and cut down on paper costs. It also reduces the likelihood of costly errors when handing out prescription medications because of illegible handwriting or incomplete documentation.
3. Scalable recordkeeping
Before EMRs, hospitals needed to devote an entire room, if not more, for storing the paper records of patients. When a hospital grows, the number of patients increases along with it, and more space is required for physical data storage. EMR software provides a more efficient way of storing data on a virtualized platform compared to traditional paper records. The recordkeeping process is completely scalable, and EMRs will not take up valuable space in the hospital like paper records do.
4. Efficient treatment
With the help of an EMR system, patient checkups take less time since doctors can quickly access a patient’s medical record and reference the information needed to schedule appointments. When the turnaround time for the recording and prescription processes is reduced, a hospital can greatly improve its patient workflow.
Moreover, if further consultation or testing is required, physicians in other locations can simultaneously view a patient’s medical record on their computers, and get the latest test results and recommendations from previous doctors. EMR systems essentially enable healthcare providers to collaborate more efficiently with one another.
A hospital’s goal is to provide better patient care, and the benefits of EMRs can help improve various medical processes, including quicker access to patient information, better collaboration between departments and healthcare providers, and improved patient workflow. For more information on how to implement EMR software in your healthcare institution, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help.
