First of all, let’s get into the reality of real-time data entry in healthcare. Real-time data entry, of course, is the recording of clinical data in real-time, be it patient assessments, observations, and actions taken with that patient.
All of this information is stored in the Electronic Health Record or EHR system. And these days, the EHR is vital to the healthcare experience. EHRs are more than just the paper charts of yesteryear; they are a comprehensive digital record of all your patient’s health information. This data is stored in the EHR as either structured data or unstructured data.
Structured data follows a specified value set, restricting the user to only enter or choose pre-determined values. Unstructured data, also called free text, allows users to record data in their own words. Structured data is crucial to consistency in data analysis and computer analysis.
So, what are the benefits of real-time data entry into the EHR? Of course, every healthcare professional is taught that the recording of patient data or charting should occur as near to the care events of that patient as possible.
Real-time data entry has been shown to improve patient care significantly. Researchers can now look at the trends of thousands of different data points inpatient charts through EHRs and determine which indicators point to a deterioration in a patient.
Real-time data entry allows for quicker turnaround times of labs and orders, therefore, offering more support to the decision-making of a healthcare professional. It streamlines compliance by reducing redundant documentation and can even help lower healthcare professional’s workloads.
Now, of course, real-time data entry sounds great, but it is often easier said than done with the resources at hand, as any healthcare professional knows. Many EHRs do not support the logistics of real-time data entry. But the consequences of not documenting the medical events of a patient in real-time can be catastrophic.
However, some healthcare professionals might argue that certain EHRs add more work to their day instead of reducing it, which EHRs were designed to reduce workloads. As a healthcare professional myself, I know that there is nothing more challenging than an EHR system that seems to be working against you.
But imagine with me for a moment, if you will, a stable EHR system, tested and true, that genuinely streamlines your workday in a way that makes you feel as though you have that extra hand you always need as a healthcare professional. What would that look like?
It looks like an EHR that encourages outcome-focused planning for patients. This is achieved through more secure, reliable, and convenient communication through EHR patient portal apps between the patient and the provider. Appointment reminders, lab results, prescription refill requests, and electronic statements can be sent directly and securely to the patient.
No one likes waiting rooms, but EHR patient portal apps can even streamline a patient’s check-in process. All necessary paperwork and check-in documents can be securely completed via the EHR patient portal before even arriving for an appointment. Patients can also review and pay medical bills through the payment services on their EHR patient portal. This leads to better patient care and patient satisfaction. The proper use of real-time EHR data entry saves massive amounts of time and resources for the patient and the provider.
So how can you achieve real-time EHR data entry? The first and most important step is to find an EHR system that will fit your individual needs, that is reliable, and streamlines your daily workflow. To learn more about real-time data entry into the EHR visit https://prognocis.com/ to request a demo today.
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