Electronic health records (EHRs) have become the standard for medical record-keeping in hospitals, clinics and private practices in the U.S. in recent years. While these systems offer benefits such as improved efficiency and easy access to patient information, they also feature risks that can lead to medical malpractice.
Errors in electronic records, whether due to system failures, human mistakes or inadequate training, can result in serious consequences for patients. While it is relatively comforting to know that if an EHR-related error causes harm the affected patient may have legal options to seek compensation, it would be much preferable if fewer errors happened in the first place.
The hazards that these records pose
Despite their advantages, electronic health records can be hazardous if they are not utilized thoughtfully. The following are just some of the ways that the utilization of these records can lead to patient harm:
Incorrect or Incomplete Patient Information
- If a doctor or nurse enters incorrect data into an EHR, such as the wrong medication, incorrect dosage or an outdated diagnosis, it can lead to serious health risks.
- Missing or incomplete patient history, such as allergies or previous surgeries, may also cause doctors to make treatment decisions without full knowledge of a patient’s condition.
System Malfunctions and Software Errors
- Glitches in EHR systems can cause critical patient information to disappear or display incorrectly.
- If a system crash or malfunction prevents doctors from accessing vital medical history, they may proceed with incorrect assumptions that lead to medical errors.
Communication Breakdowns Between Healthcare Providers
- Many EHRs are designed to allow seamless communication between specialists, primary care doctors and hospital staff. However, system incompatibility or human oversight can result in missing or delayed information.
- If a test result or prescription order does not transfer correctly between providers, a patient may not receive the necessary treatment or may be given the wrong medication.
Finally, it is worth noting that HR systems often generate automated alerts for drug interactions, allergies, and abnormal test results. However, when healthcare providers receive too many alerts, they may start ignoring them, leading to missed warnings about serious risks.
Electronic health records are meant to improve patient care, but when errors occur, they can lead to serious harm. As a result, affected patients and loved ones need to keep in mind that seeking personalized legal feedback and support is always an option.