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Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Kurt Stanberry

This paper seeks to analyze attempts, in the USA and globally, to create new and improved methods used to manage patient health information: electronic medical records (EHRs)

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyze attempts, in the USA and globally, to create new and improved methods used to manage patient health information: electronic medical records (EHRs). This new system of records management is to be examined to determine the possible benefits for patients, providers, insurers, employers, and others, as well as barriers to the use of EHRs, particularly in those embedded in US law.

Design/methodology/approach

In the USA, and in various other jurisdictions, new laws have been enacted to incentivize the use of EHRs, and the paper examines the regulations and provisions incentivizing the adoption of this type of integrated system for lifelong tracking of health‐related information. There are issues to be dealt with, such as cost, privacy, and legality, but each of these can and must be overcome to effectively manage and communicate health care information

Findings

The use of EHRs is increasing in the USA and globally, both in acute care hospitals and in primary care medical practices, largely accomplished through positive incentives, and penalties for non‐compliance. There are also various countries well on the way to wide‐spread use of electronic health records management.

Social implications

The use of EHRs creates a societal benefit, initially one on an individual level, but one which over time could rise to a level positively affecting health care on a national, even global level.

Originality/value

The paper is based on an analysis of relevant laws/regulations, best practices, and anecdotal/observational evidence. No empirical evidence survey or study was conducted, primarily because the process of implementation of EHRs is too new. It is of value to practitioners, policy makers, and interested public parties.

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2016

Shadrack Katuu

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of transforming South Africa’s health sector through the country’s eHealth Strategy and particularly one of its key…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of transforming South Africa’s health sector through the country’s eHealth Strategy and particularly one of its key components, the implementation of an integrated Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted an extensive review of literature and used it as a basis to analyse the challenges as well as opportunities in South Africa’s transformation path within its health sector based on the nation’s eHealth Strategy.

Findings

South Africa’s health sector faces three main transformation challenges: inequity, legacy of fragmentation and a service delivery structure biased towards curative rather than preventive services. Health information systems provide a solid platform for improving efficiency but, within South Africa, these systems have been highly heterogeneous. A recent study showed the country had more than 40 individual health information systems scattered in all provinces, with over 50 per cent not adhering to any national or international standards and more than 25 per cent being stand-alone applications that shared information neither locally nor externally. The eHealth Strategy offers a robust platform to start addressing the legacy of fragmentation and lack of interoperability. However, it also raises a few other concerns, including the use of different terminology such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) interchangeable with Electronic Health Record (EHR), or EDRMS parallel with Electronic Content Management (ECM). In addition, there is the opportunity to explore the use of the maturity model concept in the EDRMS implementation experiences within South Africa.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrated the complex nature of the legacy of fragmentation in South Africa’s health information systems and explored three aspects relating to terminology as well as maturity models that should be considered in the country’s future eHealth Strategy.

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2017

Kisha Hortman Hawthorne and Lorraine Richards

This paper examines existing research on the topic of personal health records (PHRs). Areas covered include PHR/patient portal, recordkeeping, preservation planning, access and…

5810

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines existing research on the topic of personal health records (PHRs). Areas covered include PHR/patient portal, recordkeeping, preservation planning, access and provider needs for future reuse of health information. Patient and physician PHR use and functionality, as well as adoption facilitators and barriers, are also reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages in a review of relevant literature from a variety of subject domains, including personal information management, medical informatics, medical literature and archives and records management literature.

Findings

The review finds that PHRs are extensions of electronic records. In addition, it finds a lack of literature within archives and records management that may lead to a less preservation-centric examination of the new PHR technologies that are desirable for controlling the lifecycle of these important new records-type.

Originality/value

Although the issues presented by PHRs are issues that can best be solved with the use of techniques from records management, there is no current literature related to PHRs in the records management literature, and that offered in the medical informatics literature treats the stewardship aspects of PHRs as insurmountable. This paper offers an introduction to the aspects of PHRs that could fruitfully be examined in archives and records management.

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2020

Ngoako Solomon Marutha

The paper sought to investigate the landscaping of electronic system through the use of the functional patient’s records management activities. The rationale is to share views and…

5210

Abstract

Purpose

The paper sought to investigate the landscaping of electronic system through the use of the functional patient’s records management activities. The rationale is to share views and guide organisations that are struggling with providing specification for a functional records management system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used qualitative approach to apply the literature in supporting the views about landscaping electronic system using functional patient’s records management activities.

Findings

The study revealed that without consideration of records management activities the likelihood is that the system may be not properly functional. The best way to landscape electronic system for records management is using records management activities. This will assist in avoiding critical omission for inclusion of all records management system operational activities.

Originality/value

The paper is proposing a new way of landscaping the electronic system by using the records management functional activities. It also provides a framework to guide the implementers or electronic system developers. The paper was partially extracted from the author’s Ph.D. thesis completed in 2016, to develop a framework for landscaping the electronic system by using the records management functional activities.

Details

Collection and Curation, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9326

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2022

Farzad Salmanizadeh, Arefeh Ameri, Leila Ahmadian, Mahboubeh Mirmohammadi and Reza Khajouei

Despite the presence of electronic medical records systems, traditional paper-based methods are often used in many countries to document data and eliminate medical record…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the presence of electronic medical records systems, traditional paper-based methods are often used in many countries to document data and eliminate medical record deficiencies. These methods waste patient and hospital resources. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the traditional deficiency management system and determine the requirements of an electronic deficiency management system in settings that currently use paper records alongside electronic hospital information systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-method study was performed in three phases. First, the traditional process of medical records deficiency management was qualitatively evaluated. Second, the accuracy of identifying deficiencies by the traditional and redesigned checklists was compared. Third, the requirements for an electronic deficiency management system were discussed in focus group sessions.

Findings

Problems in the traditional system include inadequate guidelines, incomplete procedures for evaluating sheets and subsequent delays in activities. Problems also included the omission of some vital data elements and a lack of feedback about the documentation deficiencies of each documenter. There was a significant difference between the mean number of deficiencies identified by traditional and redesigned checklists (p < 0.0001). The authors proposed an electronic deficiency management system based on redesigned checklists with improved functionalities such as discriminating deficiencies based on the documenter’s role, providing systematic feedback and generating automatic reports.

Originality/value

Previous studies only examined the positive effect of audit and feedback methods to enhance the documentation of data elements in electronic and paper medical records. The authors propose an electronic deficiency management system for medical records to solve those problems. Health-care policymakers, hospital managers and health information systems developers can use the proposed system to manage deficiencies and improve medical records documentation.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2018

Ngoako Solomon Marutha and Mpho Ngoepe

This study aims to develop a framework for the management of medical records in support of health-care service delivery in the hospitals in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a framework for the management of medical records in support of health-care service delivery in the hospitals in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was predominantly quantitative and has used the questionnaires, system analysis, document analysis and observation to collect data in 40 hospitals of Limpopo province. The sample of 49 per cent (306) records management officials were drawn out of 622 (100 per cent) total population. The response rate was 71 per cent (217) out of the entire sample.

Findings

The study discovered that a framework for management of medical records in the public hospitals is not in place because of several reasons and further demonstrates that public health-care institutions need an integrative framework for the proper management of medical records of all forms and in all media.

Originality/value

The study develops and suggests a framework to embed medical records management into the health-care service delivery workflow for effective records management and ease of access. It is hoped that such a framework will help hospitals in South Africa and elsewhere to improve their medical records management to support health-care service provision.

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2012

Rhonda J. Richards, Victor R. Prybutok and Sherry D. Ryan

The purpose of this article is to present a conceptual model that posits the strategic relationships between information technology, clinic operations and physicians and the…

5167

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a conceptual model that posits the strategic relationships between information technology, clinic operations and physicians and the subsequent outcomes to patients, physicians and clinics which can lead to competitive advantages in the healthcare environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a review of the literature and proposes a conceptual model of the strategic relationships essential for success. The scope of the paper is based on the legal, economic and political triggers impacting the strategic relationship between electronic medical records, clinic interoperability and physicians as owners/users.

Findings

The paper presents the formation of a conceptual model which identifies the strategic alignment between clinics, physicians and information technology, more specifically, electronic medical records.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited in that it is not an empirical investigation but a conceptual model of future research endeavours. Future research endeavours should seek empirical findings related to the relationships proposed in the model.

Practical implications

Physicians, clinics and patients should be aware of the impact electronic medical records have on the health environment as well as the potential competitiveness due to health consumerism enabled by electronic medical records.

Social implications

Electronic medical records, personal health records and electronic health records are infiltrating society; subsequently health consumers should determine how this technology may impact their healthcare.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to provide a conceptual model as a basis for future empirical research and awareness of changes in the competitiveness of the healthcare environment.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2022

Aishath Selna, Zulhabri Othman, Jacquline Tham and Adam Khaleel Yoosuf

This paper is based on a study done to investigate patient safety in two of the largest hospitals in the Maldives, and part of that study was on challenges faced by nurses in…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is based on a study done to investigate patient safety in two of the largest hospitals in the Maldives, and part of that study was on challenges faced by nurses in using electronic health records (EHRs) to enhance patient safety. Patient safety is a vital component of an established patient safety culture (PSC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted among nurses who also work as patient safety champions/link nurses from hospitals in Central Malé area, in the Maldives, by using focus group discussions. A purposive sampling technique was adopted, and five nurses from each hospital participated in the discussion.

Findings

Key findings included poor usability of EHRs; importance of training to use EHRs; and importance of information sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The implications for positive social change include establishing an EHR, which has the capacity to collaborate with the National Health Information Network while providing access to every patient in the Maldives.

Practical implications

EHR systems can help in collaboration among health-care professionals resulting in better patient outcomes which can contribute to establishing a PSC. Most of the patient documentation is done as paperwork in this clinical area; EHRs can contribute to minimizing paperwork and contributing quality time for better patient care. Establishing an EHR which has the capacity to collaborate with the national health information network while providing access to every patient in the Maldives.

Social implications

Establishing an EHR which has the capacity to collaborate with the national health information network while providing access to every patient in the Maldives.

Originality/value

Nurses are the bridge between patients and clinicians during patient care and therefore require as much information as possible to improve patient outcomes. While the EHRs in these two hospitals were electronic patient records (EPRs) developed by staff within the hospitals for their own use, the findings from such a bottom-up approach to develop and use EPRs can be relevant, to ensure patient safety targets of EHRs are met.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 March 2018

Sushil Kumari Jindal and Faryal Raziuddin

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a research study conducted to find the perceptions of medical professionals about reduction in medical errors using…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a research study conducted to find the perceptions of medical professionals about reduction in medical errors using electronic medical records (EMRs). It presents the relationship between EMR use in medical facilities and the reduction in medical errors. The use of EMR can lead to competitive advantages in the health-care environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based upon the perceptions of 99 medical professionals who use EMR in their practice in Arizona, USA.

Findings

This paper presents the medical professionals who use EMR which reduces medical errors, wrong site surgery, improper dosage delivery to a patient, wrong medication, etc. by 50-60 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to perceived reductions in medical errors because the actual number of errors is either unavailable or medical professionals are unwilling to provide. Future research should seek conducting database searches to find medical malpractice lawsuits, unexpected costs or any reference to quantifying losses because of medical errors. Once the expenses are reported, relating to medical malpractice legal costs with the cost of investing in EMR system would prove an excellent observational study.

Practical implications

Medical professionals, medical facilities and patients should be aware of the impact EMRs have on the healthcare provided as well as the safety of patients enabled by the EMRs.

Social implications

Health-care industry is operating in a crisis mode and before it turns chaotic, there needs to be a consistent product used by every health-care organization or practice. EMRs can automatically update patients’ information that is required on a routine basis via different computing systems such as cloud, minimizing the need for information technology professionals to handle the issues. This leads to reduced cost, increased efficiency, effectiveness and better management of the patients’ health and wellness outcomes, with perceived reduction in medical errors.

Originality/value

The value of this research report is to provide the various features EMR offers and how it helps to reduce medical mistakes that help in avoiding repetition of different tests, incorrect dosage delivery and interaction of various medicines a patient is taking.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2018

Essam Mansour

This paper aims to investigate the perception of Egyptian patients about the use of personal health records (PHRs).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perception of Egyptian patients about the use of personal health records (PHRs).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research methodology was adopted in the form of a survey.

Findings

Over one-third of the selected sample was found to use PHRs. The study found that the use of PHRs by Egyptian patients was moderate. All PHRs users confirmed that they were very interested in the doctors’ notes and the laboratory reports recorded in their records. A very large number of PHR users confirmed that their use of these records was at least fairly easy for them and all of them confirmed that the use of these records was at least fairly useful. Above two-third of PHR users answered at least “somewhat yes” that their PHRs were accurate and over half of them answered at least “somewhat yes” that their PHRs were complete. The highest percentage of PHR users agreed that the use of PHRs would enhance their trust in their doctors and nurses. Close to half of PHR users expressed some concern about sharing their records. Violation of privacy in the use of these medical records, followed by the complexity of using them, as well as lack of awareness about them, was also significant to PHR users.

Originality/value

Understanding Egyptian patients perceptions of using PHRs may significantly aid in eliminating barriers and accelerating the adoption and use of these records to improve patient care.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 67 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

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