Electronic Medical Records
(EMR)
Stakeholders and relationship
to the system
How does the system work?
Social and ethical
considerations
Data includes neccesary personal details such as contact details of next of kin, medical histories, vaccination records, test results and current treatment plans.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Patient: Whose data is held in the system
Security:
1) If there is not adequate security to protect the data on the EMR
2) If the server does not have adequate security and unauthorised users can gain access to the data held.
Doctor and Nurses: use EMR to access and update the patient data
All of the previous injuries of the patients are kept on one single database. BENEFIT
Significantly gives an advantage for patients in emergencies, as they may be unconscious and or unable to speak.
EMRs store patient data on a computerized database that can be accessed by the medical team treating the patient.
Pharmacist: Uses EMR to provide prescription to the patient
IT experts in hospital: Who are responsible for creating and maintaining the database
click to edit
Patient can store their health data on online health database. They can control who see it or not which make it more secure for them (PHR)
Data is easy to access and fast to find
Allows doctors send data to their patients in case of emergencies and the patient is unable to visit the doctor.
EMR system help make a full medial history immediately accessible to doctors, even if, for example, the patient is unconscious and unable to provide medical detail.
Tracks data overtime
Synchronization of database at different location may be difficult which could affect data integrity which could lead to health data being missing in other location
BUT, if this database gets accessed by any unauthorized users there can be an issue with the integrity of the data
Does not waste paper as all data is stored digitally
PDAs allow doctor to read and update records directly from patient bedside
Increased efficiency and costs are reduced because paper isn't being used
Because there is such large amounts of financial, medical and personal information stored on the database, it makes them more likely to be targeted by hackers.
If data is not updated, it is a warning sign that they may not be invested in the future of their software.
Solutions to S+E
If proper backup techniques are used, it makes it much harder to lose electronic records then paper copies .
Buying an electronic gadget cost will cost too much
Security Issues
1) Data must be held securely on the system - Encrypted to prevent unauthorised access
2) Systems must be protected with authentication systems to prevent unauthorised access
3) If data is transmitted over a wireless network, that network must be secured. Encrypt using WPA2 to keep secure
4) Any backups of the servers must be encrypted and stored securely (locked rooms or biometric security)
5) A customer can opt in or opt out of the system, meaning their data will or will not be held in the central EMR
Privacy Issues
1) There should be different levels of access for different staff members. For example, receptionists to basic contact details, and doctors to more complete records
2) Data should not be shared with third parties without the patients permission
3) The hospital should have a privacy policy in place and train staff to adhere to it
Integrity Issues
1) Appropriate validation checks should be set up on fields to disallow invalid data
2) When accessing or updating records, staff could verify a patients identify using multiple fields. This prevents alterations to the wrong persons records.
3) Doctors should confirm the patients details with them during a consultation, rather than relying on the records being accurate
4) Patients should have the right to correct or remove any data that is incorrect.
Privacy:
1) is a concern if unauthorized access can access the data and use it in an unethical way against the patient
2) If the customer does not want their data held on the central EMR.
Integrity:
1) A concern if there is a duplication in medical records which may lead to data integrity problems.
2) A concern if data entered is not accurate
3) A concern if too many people have access to the data and can change it.
Doctor can enter the information by:
1) sensors attached to the patients that link to the device used by the doctor
2) Type in using a keyboard
3) Voice input
4) Doctor can use a stylus to hand write notes/updates. Using handwriting recognition the device converts notes into text.