Question

Explain the advantage of using the e-prescribing feature of an EHR system.

Compare and contrast the advantages and challenges of using mobile devices with an EHR system.

Answer 1

E-prescribing using an EHR allows a healthcare organization to cater to the needs of the patients better. It also allows:

1. Speed up the process of reconciliation and prevent errors of quantity when prescribing drugs

This has a number of implications when we consider how an EHR system can automate this process and reduce inconsistencies of data, allotment, quantity, and name of the drugs as well as speed up the process of reconciliation due to any errors.

2. Allow for a better clinical decision support

Since there are a number of drugs present with different quantity and potency, as well as the fact that there is a number of different alternatives, an EHR system can help us select the best phone for prescribing.

3. Notifications for allergies and other tracking data

Doctors could potentially look over any mild allergies and reaction to certain medication, and therefore, EHR e-prescribing takes that into account while making decisions.

4. Reduce problems of lost prescriptions and better monitoring of controlled substance

This is one of the major role e-prescribing can play in a healthcare setting by controlling the amount and quantity of controlled drugs while also managing any problems with lost prescriptions.

2. Mobile devices can allow an EHR system with the following advantages:

1. Seamless data flow

Which is relevant when we need to consider the need for data especially with a cellular device, being portable and always accessible.

2. Enhancing the efficiency of the physician

Not only would a mobile device help reduce the stress factors for physicians, when used with an EHR system, but it also helps reduce any errors caused due to fatigue, as well as allow easier access to all the patient’s information wherever the patient goes.

3. Affordability

Since mobile devices are now as cheap as they can get, it allows a cheaper implementation of a system already [presenting the organization, making use of the factor of availability.

The disadvantages come in the form of:

1. Security

Security is the main consideration when we consider mobile devices for EHR since they are vulnerable to attacks and introduce a number of variables in the system’s ability to protect itself.

2. Not designed for the clinical environment

Which means that devices need to be catered more towards the need of the physician as well as for better integration with the EHR system, there is a lack of third-party apps that help with this purpose as well.