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Tip of the week: Improve your patients' safety through EHR technology

HIM Connection, January 8, 2008

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The current trend toward increased transparency in healthcare means many organizations are seeking to implement new technologies in an effort to reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. EHRs are one type of technology that can contribute to increased patient safety by offering features such as constant access to current medical information, and by highlighting flawed processes and systems that might increase the risk of medical errors, says David N. Gans, MSHA, FACMPE, vice president of practice management resources at the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) in Englewood, CO.

Caregivers can use EHRs and other related technologies to improve patient safety in several aspects of the healthcare process, Gans says. These include:

• Medication management
• Handoffs and transitions
• Communication
• Practice management functions

Organizations should consider the specific features of their EHR and determine how they can redesign work flows and reengineer systems to take advantage of the EHR's features, Gans says. Caregivers should think about whether they are optimally using EHR features that will streamline work flows, improve efficiency, and lead to safer patient care, he says.

Editor's note: This tip is adapted from an January, 2008 article in the quarterlyElectronic Health Records Briefing insert of Medical Records Briefing. For more information, click here.

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