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Do you think that the federal mandate of having all health care provider and organizations to incorporate an Electronic Health Record by 2014 is a realistic mandate? As a health care manager, what are some of the concerns you might have in doing so? Explain your answer.
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UA GRANTHAM Electronic Health Records Discussion Nursing Assignment Help
Introduction:
The federal mandate requiring all healthcare providers and organizations to implement an Electronic Health Record (EHR) by 2014 has been a significant development in the healthcare industry. However, the question arises as to whether this mandate is realistic and feasible. As a healthcare manager, there are several concerns that need to be considered when addressing this issue. In this answer, we will explore both the potential benefits and challenges associated with incorporating EHRs, ultimately delivering an informed perspective on the matter.
Answer:
The federal mandate of incorporating an Electronic Health Record by 2014 can be seen as both a realistic and ambitious goal. On one hand, implementing EHRs offers numerous benefits such as improved patient care coordination, enhanced communication between healthcare providers, and increased efficiency in data management. EHRs also have the potential to reduce medical errors, improve patient safety, and increase access to patient records across different healthcare settings.
However, as a health care manager, there are several concerns that need to be taken into consideration while implementing EHRs. One major concern is the financial investment required for installing and maintaining EHR systems. The initial costs of implementing EHRs can be substantial, including not only purchasing the software but also hardware, training staff, and ensuring compatibility with existing systems. This may pose a significant burden for smaller healthcare organizations with limited resources.
Another concern is related to the potential disruption in workflow during the transition phase. The adoption of EHRs requires healthcare providers and staff to learn new systems, adapt to new processes, and potentially change established routines. This can lead to a temporary decrease in productivity and an increased risk of errors if staff members are not adequately trained or if the transition is not effectively managed.
Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the privacy and security of electronic health records. While EHR systems offer the potential for improved data security, there is always a risk of unauthorized access or breaches. Healthcare organizations must invest in robust security measures to ensure patient data remains confidential and protected from cyber threats.
Interoperability is another challenge that arises when implementing EHRs. Healthcare providers often use different EHR systems that do not communicate effectively with each other. This limits the seamless exchange and sharing of patient information, potentially impacting care coordination and continuity. Achieving interoperability between different EHR systems requires strong standards and collaboration between healthcare organizations and technology vendors.
In conclusion, while the federal mandate of incorporating an Electronic Health Record by 2014 is a realistic goal, healthcare managers must carefully consider the challenges involved. These concerns include financial investment, workflow disruption, privacy and security, and interoperability. By addressing these concerns and adequately preparing for the transition, healthcare organizations can maximize the potential benefits of EHRs while mitigating potential drawbacks.
