The role EHR plays in remote care best practice

With the rise of cloud-based EHR systems, healthcare applications and mobile technology, remote care has become much easier than it was in the past. However, clinicians and the healthcare industry need to examine the way that remote medicine may impact patient care and medical best practice.

Mobile EHR can improve access to healthcare and because of remote EHR systems, the healthcare industry has the ability to increase access to individuals who may have difficulty getting to a physician. As remote EHR systems evolve, many health related concerns may exclusively be treated remotely. With comprehensive EHR systems, best practice can be maintained and enhanced in remote care medicine.

Facilitation of doctor-patient communication

In this technology dependent age that relies on outcomes, efficiency and mandated reporting, the clinician-patient relationship seems to be taking a backseat. It is important that the healthcare system continue to make doctor-patient relationships central to healthcare, and ensure that healthcare remains patient-focused.

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To maintain doctor-patient relationships and the integrity of medical physicians and their professional expertise, EHRs must be used as a tool to facilitate communication. This can be done with an electronic messaging portal in which the patient and physician are able to communicate. Additionally, the EHR system can offer real-time video conferencing for the physician and patient using the patient’s smartphone. This would allow for visual analysis and face-to-face discussion.

Automated documentation of patient encounters

In order to regulate best practice for remote care, encounters must be documented. EHRs used for remote care should have an automated documentation field for communications between patient and physician, or the electronic messaging should be automatically input into the patient record.

It is too easy to misinterpret information unless there is a written record. Within the EHR system, there should be a system of tracking communication points and for tracking follow through by the patient. This way, compliance with physician instruction can be monitored. If there is no compliance by the patient, the physician still has documented oversight.

The convenience of mobile EHR

Mobile EHR can facilitate comprehensive patient care to improve patient outcomes and health. This includes automated notifications for needed referrals, automated medication interaction review, and increased patient access to their own medical information. Recommended screenings and laboratory tests can be automatically recommended based on time since last evaluation, patient age and medical history.

Security of personal data

Above all, remote care EHRs must be able to maintain patient security and privacy in order to ensure best practice. There should be a form of secure identification and log-in by both the patient and physician in order to access any information. The patient needs this security so that others cannot access their patient portal information or falsely communicate with the physician.