Electronic Health Records adoption in Canada

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS
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The benefits and risks of Electronic Health Records adoption in Canada
In comparison to Europe and America, Canada still lags behind in electronic health records adoption (EHR) (Webster, 2010). The slow adoption of this technology in Canada could also be a concern because of the initial cost of obtaining and maintaining an automated system, but emphasis on efficiency potential would make it easier to adopt the system (Hadzipetros, 2009). EHR adoption eases information flow and hence complements healthcare provision which is a team effort. In the Canadian context, privacy is a major feature of personal liberty as this determines patient autonomy and personal integrity (D'Agostino & Woodward, 2010). This paper explores the benefits and risks of Electronic Health Records adoption in Canada.
Adoption of EHR is associated with increased efficiency and patient care benefits in Canadian health are system. According to PwC as quoted by (Webster, 2010), Canada was able to save $ 800 million on administrative efficiency in community health care as well as $ 584 million in system benefits through reduction in costs associated with duplication and adverse drug effects. By 2012, e- health records usage had increased to 56% from 23%, and in those six years the technology helped to save $1.6 billion (CBC new, 2013). Furthermore, increased use of the technology has eased communication among health care providers and patients, resulting to better service provision in community health care provision. The benefits of adopting the technology have emerged as more physicians in Canada utilize EHR resulting to a more integrated health care system.
Improved quality of care is one of the main benefits of EHR adoption because automation makes coordination easier. In essence, physicians are able to increase patient engagement and act according to feedback making it better than relying on manual systems. Thus, it is easier to monitor health care provision services and ease the work flow of medical practitioners. Since there is improved care delivery from using automated services, it is easier to pinpoint areas of weakness or bottlenecks and hence facilitate provision of care. Furthermore, automation makes it easier to monitor patient information and screenings and this improves health care provision.
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