Evaluating the Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Care

Abstract

Background: The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has revolutionized healthcare systems worldwide. By transitioning from paper-based records to digital formats, EHRs are expected to improve patient care through better data management, increased efficiency, and enhanced communication between healthcare providers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of EHRs on patient care, focusing on their effects on clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and overall healthcare efficiency.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted over two years (2022–2024) at [Institution Name], involving 500 patients. The study compared clinical outcomes and operational metrics between a group of patients treated in facilities using EHRs and a group treated in facilities relying on traditional paper records. Key metrics included clinical decision-making time, medication errors, patient readmission rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
Results: The use of EHRs was associated with a 30% reduction in medication errors, a 25% decrease in patient readmission rates, and a 20% improvement in clinical decision-making speed. Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were 15% higher in the EHR group, primarily due to improved communication and quicker response times. However, some challenges were identified, including initial implementation costs and the time required for staff training.
Conclusion: EHRs positively impact patient care by improving clinical decision-making, reducing medication errors, enhancing communication, and lowering patient readmission rates. However, the initial costs and transition period require careful management to fully realize their benefits. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to understand the long-term impacts of EHR implementation on patient care.