The move from paper medical records to electronic has been happening at a steady pace. Physicians can type in their findings and not have to rely on handwritten notes, often shared between offices and medical professionals. There is always the chance that these notes may be misinterpreted and improperly transcribed because of handwriting, but the use of EMRs can help lessen that. As a result, the number of malpractice cases may decrease, too. That's what a recent study looked into.
In 2005 and 2007, 275 Massachusetts physicians were surveyed about their malpractice cases. The study found that 12% had malpractice clams against them and 49 of those claims filed prior to the adoption of EMRs, while only 2 occurred afterword. This means that, according to the study's findings, after EMR use is put into practice, physicians were 84% less likely to have malpractice claims filed against them. Other factors may have been in play, but the presence of EMRs were noted. The benefits of EMR technology makes it easier for physicians to record accurate notes, which can be shared and understood by multiple health professionals without reliance on paper and pen recordings. It is a change in the medical field which, in the long-term, is sure to ease the treatment path for everyone involved.
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