The article discusses the position of physicians regarding the utilization of electronic health records in ambulatory care. In the past years, questions were raised regarding the role of electronic health records in improving the practice of physicians. Through a survey, it was found out that electronic health records in ambulatory care improved the quality of health care services provided by them by speeding up the process of the health care delivery system and defines the relationship between the physician and patient.
The positive outcomes of EHR were achieved by fully implementing technological systems and processes of obtaining and storing medical data. (DesRoches, et. al. , 2008) Utilizing electronic medical data not only speeds up the delivery of health care services but also increases the number of patients that physicians can help and assist. The impact of implementing EHR within the health care setting proved to be detrimental in the finances of health care facilities.
Therefore, even if EHR proves to be highly effectual in delivering health care services, health care facilities set negative examples by clinging to traditional means of obtaining and storing data which does not improve the quality of health care. (DesRoches, et. al. , 2008) These contrasting elements of the article was discussed in order to show the significant difference between choosing to utilize EHR as compared to the traditional means of gathering and keeping medical data. I believe that it is highly important for physicians to realize the relevance of EHR in their practice.
Through the information provided by the article, physicians should become aware of the positive as well as negative effects of adopting EHR. This article becomes a valid source of information because of its authority and accuracy, such that it was written by medical professionals and that the results of the study was based on a qualitative and quantitative data obtained from responses provided by physicians. This also contributes to the objectivity of the article. Moreover, it does not only relay one-sided information but seeks to represent two opposing sides of the issue from the viewpoint of physicians.
With this in mind, the coverage was broad and comprehensive enough. The content, from the abstract to the conclusion was complete, with no other relevant data left out by the authors. The article was current as it was written this year. Comment: EHR Implementation… In Hindsight Perhaps one positive thing about the article is it provides health care facilities and medical professionals with the knowledge and information that will assist them in making decisions regarding the implementation of EHR in health care facilities.
There are several factors that they need to consider such as the vendor, the availability of medical data to be transferred to technological systems, the format of existing medical data, and need for training and the participants. Moreover, it provides a relevant advice for health care facilities and medical professionals who might want to switch from traditional to digital record-keeping – that is to gradually switch medical data on paper to technological systems instead of directly implementing technology in record-keeping.
The article serves as a guide for health care facilities and medical professionals for them to make the right decisions and focus on the right priorities. Perhaps, the authority of the article in urging them to follow recommendations is grounded on the accuracy, currency, objectivity, and coverage of the article. (Woolery & Brown, 2008)
References
DesRoches, C. M. , Campbell, E. G. , Rao, S. R. , Donelan, K. , Ferris, T. G. , Jha, A. , Kaushal, R. , Levy, D. E. , Rosenbaum, S. , Shields, A. E. , Blumenthal, D.. (2008) Electronic Health Records in Ambulatory Care — A National Survey of Physicians. N Engl J Med 2008 359: 50-60. Retrieved October 14, 2008, from The New England Journal of Medicine. Website: http://content. nejm. org/cgi/citmgr? gca=nejm;359/1/50 Woolery, M. & Brown, R (2008). EHR Implementation… In Hindsight. Retrieved October 14, 2008, from Elsevier, Inc. Website: http://www. familypracticenews. com/article/PIIS0300707308709265/fulltext