Image from the University of Richmond
Not so long ago, we lived in a world where every patient visit required health care professionals to shuffle through bundles of paper documents, searching for past medical records and locating patient files. For countless individuals, this was the reality. A slow, time consuming, inefficient, and prone to errors healthcare system that has now evolved and adapted with time.
Today, the healthcare system is upgrading by stepping into the digital era. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are replacing paper files, while making patient health information easily accessible through a digital platform. With the support of health informatics, these digital tools are tackling barriers to care, connecting healthcare providers, and empowering patients with control over their own health. The transition isn’t just about technology, it’s about expanding access, enhancing efficiency, and promoting health equity.
Could this digital transition finally give every patient the care that they deserve?
What is Health Informatics and Why Does It Matter?
Health Informatics is the practice that combines healthcare, data, and technology to improve healthcare access and deliver equitable patient care. It works behind the scenes to ensure patient information is safely analyzed, gathered, and shared across healthcare providers. As a digital tool, it plays a crucial role in promoting equity by identifying gaps in healthcare and providing innovative solutions. But the impact of Health Informatics goes beyond digital systems, it’s about advancing equity and inclusivity through powerful solutions. Each analyzed data, addresses health disparities, identifies underserved populations, and informs actionable strategies that improve health outcomes. Through data, technology, and innovation, Health Informatics is bridging the gap in equitable access to care.
Digital Health in Action: Understanding Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
So, what is Electronic Health Records (EHRs)?
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are secure digital patient profiles that contain medical histories and up to date records stored safely online and accessible to both healthcare providers and patients. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) include:
• Patient Portals – The patient portal allows the patients to take their health into their own hands, providing them easy access to the digital platform. This feature encourages individuals to understand any concerns or underlying health issues they may have.
• Patient Histories and Real Time Updates – EHRs provide real time updates and medical histories including past diagnosis, medications, and treatment plans, allowing providers with all the information they need to provide the best care for patients. This feature allows healthcare providers to access information easily and update patient data in a timely manner, decreasing the risks of errors and increasing better communication.
• Interactive Body Maps and Diagnostic Visualizations – One of the most innovative features of an EHRs includes the interactive body maps and diagnostic visualizations, which only a few of the systems have. This provides both providers and patients access to anatomical visual tools about the patient’s diagnosis, allowing patients to better understand their health and visualize any concerns.
Expanding Access to Care
In rural areas and low resource communities, people are often located far away with limited access to healthcare. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) change that by allowing local clinics to store patients medical histories, treatment plans, and lab reports safely, through seamless communications.
For those who can not travel, online consultations with the healthcare provider comes into play. The communication and connectivity between the patient and healthcare provider ensures care is delivered accurately and timely, while addressing barriers and expanding access to care.
Navigating Challenges in Access to Equitable Care
Although Electronic Health Records comes with many benefits, several challenges still remain:
• High Implementation Cost: The high cost in implementation can make it difficult for smaller clinics or low resource communities to incorporate.
• Access to Technology: Some people may not have access to technology or internet due to factors of social determinants of health, which may prevent them from accessing the digital platform.
• Privacy and Security: Sensitive patient information is important to safely secure from breaches, while maintaining authorized access to healthcare providers.
The Future of Health Informatics and the path towards Equitable Care
As technology advances, healthcare is becoming more connected. Health Informatics is opening doors to innovative solutions, while serving as a digital backbone in healthcare. The future of Health Informatics is on its path to incorporating AI and Machine Learning techniques to improve health outcomes. While Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are expanding access to care, other digital solutions are working together to further promote equity and the quality of care, improving patient health outcomes. With these advancements, Health Informatics is transforming care for every patient, serving as a powerful digital health solution.
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