How does the use of electronic health records (EHR) improve patient care?

The use of electronic health records (EHR) enhances patient care primarily because it allows multiple practitioners to access patient information simultaneously. This accessibility improves collaboration among healthcare providers, enabling them to make informed decisions based on up-to-date patient data.

When various practitioners—such as doctors, nurses, and specialists—can simultaneously view a patient's health history, medications, allergies, and treatment plans, it promotes continuity of care. This real-time sharing of information helps reduce repetitive testing, minimizes errors due to lack of information, and ultimately leads to more coordinated and efficient patient care. It also allows for quicker clinical decision-making during emergencies, as critical information is readily available to all involved in a patient’s care.

This collaborative approach plays a significant role in improving patient outcomes, as it ensures that all team members are informed about the patient’s condition and treatment history, enabling them to provide appropriate interventions based on comprehensive data.