Impact of Advanced Health Information Systems on Medical Records Management and Archiving Quality

Abstract

Current estimates suggest that 7-8% of medical records worldwide are either misplaced or incomplete, and in pediatric outpatient visits, more than 20% of medical records are unattainable when needed. This poses a significant hazard in medical record-keeping, with missing or damaged records potentially putting patients at risk. As healthcare facilities grapple with ever-increasing complexity and functionality demands, the advancement and adoption of sophisticated health information systems for managing medical records offer a glimmer of hope. These systems emphasize the handling and transformation of data and once developed, facilitate bringing computers and information directly to the patient's bedside to assist healthcare providers. However, the complexity of these systems necessitates continuous upkeep to ensure effective information management for patient care. Despite case studies indicating that such systems contribute to higher healthcare quality and the reduction of clinical errors, the direct effects on medical record integrity demand further exploration, acknowledging both the benefits and pitfalls.

A medical record, the healthcare provider's comprehensive log detailing a patient's medical history and conditions, serves as a cornerstone for ongoing and evaluative care, aiming to enhance patient health outcomes. For healthcare providers, it acts as a shield in uncertain situations, offers proof of continuous care, and ensures persistent monitoring of patient health. The caliber of a medical record reflects adherence to set standards and can be seen as emblematic of desired attributes. It is a collection of factual representations and professional assessments maintained by healthcare practitioners.

Health information management is constantly confronted with an array of challenges, with essential medical data continually endangered. The swiftness of technological advancement, shifting government priorities, and societal expectations have put medical record service quality in a predicament. There is also an increasing call for improved accessibility and transferability of medical records. While cutting-edge health information systems hold the promise of enhancing the caliber of medical records, they could also pose a threat to service quality if not used, understood, and governed adeptly. These sophisticated IT systems enable organizations to handle, manipulate, and relay information efficiently. They are designed in a myriad of forms and serve a vital role in clinical decision-making and patient-to-patient service provision. For patients, these systems offer support through healthcare navigation, finding suitable practitioners, communication with providers, and managing health information transactions.