Discuss advantages and disadvantages of computer versus paper-based medical records .?

Question

Discuss advantages and disadvantages of computer versus paper-based medical records. Do you prefer paper-based medical records or computer-based records and why

Answer 1

either or is not an option..............................

hard copies(paper) for all records are required even if a computer system is used for nurses notes, MARs, Care Plans, Doctors Notes and Orders etcetera.

Answer 2

The chief disadvantage to computer-based medical records is privacy concerns: can records be hacked, illegally downloaded, lost in a crash, etc. Providers of online records go to great lengths to assure security and confidentiality.

The disadvantages to paper records are the reason computer-based records are created: (i) the doctors' handwriting is not legible and there are pharmacy errors or treatment errors which can be dangerous; (ii) a doctor does not know a patient has already had a test done at another doctor's office or hospital and orders it again, causing insurance or the patient to pay twice for a test that was needed once; (iii) a hospital can monitor patient results, in aggregate, to see how well the hospital is doing; (iv) in some situations the patient can see his/her own records and correct some errors such as birth date etc.

I'd rather have my own records computer-based.

Answer 3

I prefer a combination of the two. Each system has obvious advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of a paper-based system is less HIPAA compliance is required but storage of files can be a problem due to lack of space and organization is a must if you ever need to find something. An advantage of computer-based system is instant access of the information and less physical storage space is needed. However, computer-based systems require more maintenance, are more costly, and require much more HIPAA related systems and security to apply.