Patient Health Data and Electronic Record

The electronic recording of an individual's health information holds tremendous promise for improving the quality, safety, and efficacy of patient care. Yet despite its numerous potential benefits for health care organizations, providers, and patients, the trend toward the paperless recording of patient health data is not without its drawbacks. By being aware of potential benefits and pitfalls, health care managers can better guide the development and/or use of these systems in their organizations.  
Prepare for this Discussion as follows:

• Review this week's Learning Resources on the nature of EHRs, EMRs, and PHRs. Make sure you understand their differences and similarities, and what they offer providers, patients, and health care organizations.
• Selecting one of these types of electronic records, determine the key benefits for one of these stakeholders: patients, providers, or health care management. What is the value to them of being able to record and/or access this patient data electronically?
• Consider the pros and cons of these various records systems in terms of patient privacy and data security. Do you think there are limits on the types of information that should be electronically recorded?

Post by Day 4 a response to the following:

• Briefly compare and contrast EHRs, EMRs, and PHRs. Include the typical content and functionality of each.
• Focusing on one of these types of records, describe the key benefits for one of the stakeholders (e.g., patients, providers, or health care management) of being able to record and/or access patient data through this system.
• Should all patient health information be recorded electronically? If so, explain why. If not, explain what the exceptions should be and why.