Over the last decade or so, Government investment in the healthcare sector has enabled more doctors and hospitals to shift to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) software, but it still remains a tough challenge. Many clinicians do not have access to usable data for a specific patient. Interoperability, the true objective of an EHR, can only be fully realized when Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) develop better Health Information Exchange (HIE) with the network, and the data is usable for everyone concerned.

Are we closer to realizing HITECH’s goal of making the healthcare industry better by the utilization of technology? Are we providing services that are more reliable, effective and patient-centric?

Let’s discuss some essential factors that vendors and developers need to focus on, to make EHR data more personal.

More integration of users

All users of EHR system must be given more rights and permission to use the software. Until recently, one of the major EHR users, nurses, could not document the data in the software. This has been rectified, but there is still a need to better manage all users of EHR systems across all platforms. When integration of users increases, it will make it difficult for people with no IT systems to survive.

Integration of settings

Without ambulatory and enterprise settings working in close liaison and  communicating better, the clinicians will not be able to get a clear picture of patients, nor will they be able to provide better care.

Timely documentation

In order to make technology work flawlessly across all networks, timely documentation of vital patient data is of crucial importance. All stakeholders in the healthcare industry, the physician, nurses, labs, pharmacies etc. must use information technology-based services in order to expedite patient care.

Interoperability

If an EHR system is not able to meaningfully communicate with other entities in the healthcare model, it will be impossible to move the industry forward on modern lines.

These factors must be at the heart of any strategy to make EHR data more patient-centric and provide better healthcare.