Electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) are two systems that can be both utilized in a healthcare facility or health-related organization. The major difference between the two systems is linked to the width of their application as EMR contain medical data that are primarily necessary for treatment and diagnosis. EHR are comprehensive records that ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration that aims at attaining the best patient outcomes (Heart et al., 2017).
My organization operates both types of systems, but the focus is on EHR. Pont Click Care provides cloud-based services to health-related organizations helping them manage the bulk of data they have. EHR is the basis of our collaboration as these documents provide complete information about the patient, which helps care providers to use a patient-centered approach to the fullest.
At that, although EHR provide various opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, it is critical to ensure compliance with the highest safety standards. EMR are usually associated with fewer risks as they can be used internally with little or no involvement of third parties. EHR encompass the interaction of many care providers that may include the medical staff, administrators, health insurance provider, and others (Heart et al., 2017).
The provision of access to any person or organization increases the risk of a data breach, so it is important to develop clear guidelines and use the latest electronic tools to protect data. If EMR or EHR are used improperly, patients may face certain challenges, including the creation of wrong treatment plans and associated issues. Personal data can be used by criminals, so patients and all stakeholders can be blackmailed, hacked, or stolen from. Hence, it is vital to make sure that EMR and EHR, as well as any other types of data, are used appropriately.
Reference
Heart, T., Ben-Assuli, O., & Shabtai, I. (2017). A review of PHR, EMR and EHR integration: A more personalized healthcare and public health policy. Health Policy and Technology, 6(1), 20-25. Web.