Thinking of Going Paperless: Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge

The electronic health record represents a major change in healthcare delivery for health institutions, health professionals and patients.

The advantages of using an electronic record include speed of access, accuracy, identification of risk, timely communication with members of the interdisciplinary team and patients. Despite the advantages, technology doesn’t come without danger in the form of lost passwords, duplicative records and possible cybersecurity breaches.

If you are thinking of going paperless, these are the top three things to consider:

1. Select a duly accredited software system/company to support your transition

2. Protect the privacy of patient information - ongoing going and compliance with legislation imperative

3. Ensure that you are following the guidelines and recommendations issued by the of the privacy commissioner and your regulatory body

As our current context continues to evolve, timely access to records and electronic communication will become the norm in healthcare. Now that you know what to consider before jumping in, what are you waiting for?