Computerized medical records and medical errors

image of stethoscope on Ipad

There is a strong trend to computerization of medical records. This method of recording information about a patient offers many advantages. Pen and paper medical records are plagued by illegible handwriting along with non-standardized and dangerous abbreviations, which can lead to medical errors. Electronic records are legible and are programmed to use only approved terminology…

Read More

Computerized medical records – forensic issues

typing on computer keyboard

There is a strong trend to computerization of medical records. This method of recording information about a patient offers many advantages. Access to a medical record may be electronically limited. For example, a nursing assistant may be permitted to only enter vital signs but not review orders, laboratory results, or write nursing notes. A paper…

Read More

Computerized medical records problems

close up of computer keyboard

Computerized medical records are here to stay. Not perfect, but better than handwritten records. This method of recording information about a patient offers many advantages but also some significant disadvantages. Computerized medical records have drawbacks that affect the legal nurse consultant’s ability to analyze medical records. Drawbacks of computerized medical records Electronic health records can…

Read More

Computerized medical records and litigation

Attorneys and legal nurse consultants spend much time poring over computerized medical records and litigation intensifies the need to understand these records. There is a strong trend to computerization of medical records. This method of recording information about a patient offers many advantages in litigation. Computerization of documentation provides some benefits for those involved in…

Read More