1.
Introduction
Healthcare delivery has undergone significant transformation in the last two decades with the
integration of Electronic Health Records (EHR). EHRs are digital versions of patients’ medical
histories maintained over time by healthcare providers. They typically contain patient
demographics, medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory test results, imaging reports,
and treatment plans.
The shift from paper-based systems to EHRs was intended to improve efficiency, accuracy, and
quality of care. However, while EHR adoption has grown worldwide, its actual impact on patient
care — including treatment quality, safety, efficiency, and patient satisfaction — still needs
continuous evaluation.
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2. Background of the Study
Before EHRs, healthcare professionals relied on paper charts, which:
Were prone to loss or damage
Made information sharing between departments/facilities difficult
Often resulted in delays in treatment
Increased the risk of errors due to illegible handwriting or incomplete records
EHRs aim to address these issues by providing real-time, patient-centered records that can be
accessed securely by authorized healthcare providers across multiple facilities.
Evaluating the impact of EHRs on patient care is essential to determine whether they are
meeting the goals of improving safety, enhancing care coordination, reducing errors, and
boosting patient engagement.
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3. Objectives of the Study
Main Objective
To evaluate the impact of Electronic Health Records on the quality of patient care.
Specific Objectives
To assess how EHRs improve accuracy and accessibility of patient information
To examine the role of EHRs in reducing medical errors and improving patient safety
To analyze how EHRs support continuity of care between different healthcare providers
To investigate the influence of EHRs on patient engagement and satisfaction
To identify challenges and limitations of EHR usage in patient care
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4. Significance of the Study
This study is important for:
Healthcare providers: Understanding how EHRs affect workflow, clinical decision-making, and
efficiency.
Patients: Ensuring they receive safer, more coordinated, and personalized care.
Healthcare administrators and policymakers: Making informed decisions on investments,
training, and EHR implementation strategies.
Researchers: Providing empirical evidence on the benefits and limitations of EHRs in real-world
patient care.
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5. Overview of Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Definition
An EHR is an integrated system that stores digital patient health information and enables
sharing of records across healthcare settings.
Core Components of an EHR System
Patient Demographics & Registration
Clinical Documentation (visit notes, diagnosis, treatment)
Medication Management (prescriptions, dosage tracking)
Laboratory & Imaging Integration
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) — alerts, reminders, treatment recommendations
Patient Portal Access — online access for patients to view health data
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6. Role of EHR in Enhancing Patient Care
6.1 Improved Data Accuracy and Accessibility
Eliminates duplicate tests due to lost records
Allows providers to see complete patient history instantly
6.2 Enhanced Patient Safety
Automated alerts for drug interactions or allergies
Standardized documentation reduces interpretation errors
6.3 Better Care Coordination
Enables seamless information sharing between specialists, hospitals, and primary care
physicians
Reduces gaps in care when patients move between facilities
6.4 Efficiency in Clinical Workflow
Reduces time spent on administrative paperwork
Streamlines order entry and billing processes
6.5 Patient Engagement and Self-Management
Patient portals allow individuals to view test results, track progress, and communicate with
providers
Encourages patients to participate in managing chronic conditions
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7. Potential Negative Impacts of EHRs on Patient Care
While EHRs have benefits, they also present challenges:
Increased Screen Time: Providers may spend more time on computers than with patients
Data Breaches: Risks of unauthorized access to sensitive patient data
System Downtime: Can delay treatment when EHR systems are unavailable
Learning Curve: New users may initially struggle with system navigation
Over-Reliance on Technology: Risk of reduced clinical judgment if decisions are overly based
on automated prompts
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8. Challenges in Evaluating EHR Impact
Variations in EHR design and implementation across facilities
Lack of standardized metrics for measuring "quality of care"
Differences in provider training and adoption rates
Difficulty separating EHR impact from other healthcare improvements
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9. Recommendations
Continuous Training for healthcare workers on EHR usage
System Interoperability for smooth data exchange between facilities
Patient Education on using EHR portals effectively
Regular Performance Audits to track improvements and challenges
Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures to protect patient information
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10. Conclusion
EHRs have the potential to significantly improve patient care through better information
accessibility, enhanced safety, and improved care coordination. However, their effectiveness
depends on user training, system design, interoperability, and patient engagement. Ongoing
evaluation is crucial to ensure EHR systems truly fulfill their intended role in improving
healthcare delivery.
