Expert Views
Every week, this website will host an insider's view, offering readers an expert's perspective on our 'topic of the month'. Using voices from the heart of industry, policymaking and management, as well as patient groups, our specially commissioned interviews will get to the heart of today's hot topics.
EHR Cornerstone To Improving Patient Safety
This week’s expert view comes from US-based Pat Wise, vice president for healthcare information systems at HIMSS. One of her areas of special knowledge covers electronic health record information systems (EHR), our featured topic this month
Pat Wise is about as pro-EHR as it’s possible to be. With her long background in the healthcare field she appreciates the worth of such records when it comes to the care of patients.
Says Ms Wise: “Personally, I place a very high value on electronic health record systems. Organisation-wide implementation of these is a key component and cornerstone for the improvement of patient care, patient safety and the achievement of quality.”
Interoperability is key issue
While that’s undoubtedly a widely held belief these days, the question of how practical EHR systems are – given interoperability issues – still looms large. Ms Wise is well acquainted with the dilemma, saying: “The lack of interoperability between systems is a huge problem. Absolutely!
“Most health care is local; in other words, most health care is received within a short distance from home. Yet, even within localities or communities, most physicians - even those using EHR - cannot exchange pertinent information regarding a patient's medications, treatment plan, medical history or diagnosis without providing the data on paper for the patient to hand carry.”
This poses a huge problem when traveling: “Pertinent medical information is just not available,” she adds.
Data precautions
But that’s not the only potential pitfall – there is huge concern from the public over data security and this is an issue that Ms Wise knows has to be faced square on.
“Data protection,” she says, “and the security of the electronic health record, is the number-one patient concern. Organisations and practices installing EHR must take every precaution to protect the contents from intrusion.
“And when communicating data electronically, these organisations must do so in a secure fashion. When proper security practices are in place, the benefits clearly are tremendous.”
Sharing the knowledge
Asked for her thoughts on the next steps forward to promote the proper use of EHR in the wider arena, Ms Wise is quite clear: “Best practices and achievements in the use of EHR must be publicised and shared. “
Wise has an ideal example of this: “In North America, the Davies Award Program annually recognises healthcare organisations, practices and public health entities for their achievements in the implementation of EHR.
“Case studies from the awardees reveal the technology that was utilised, the functionality of the system, leadership and governance strategies as well as the value the EHR brought to the organisation and its patients.”
She concludes: “Included in these case studies are lessons learned which are extremely valuable to other organisations beginning the transition from paper to electronic data capture.
Patricia B. Wise, RN, MS, MA, joined HIMSS in 2002 as Director of HIMSS EHR Initiatives following the merger of HIMSS and CPRI-HOST. Currently she is Vice President for Healthcare Information Systems overseeing various HIMSS Steering Committees and task forces.
Pat is a former US military officer who retired in 1998 with the rank of Colonel. While serving in the Army, she was appointment to the staff of Senator Inouye. Ms Wise has held past positions as a Senior Healthcare Consultant for Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) and Strategic Monitored Services. She obtained her BSN from Villanova University, an MS from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and is a graduate of the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA.