Electronic health record (EHR)

What is an Electronic Health Record (EHR)?

An electronic health record (EHR), also known as an electronic medical record (EMR), is a digital version of a patient's medical history that is stored in a computerized system. EHRs contain a wide range of patient information, including personal demographics, medical history, diagnoses, medications, allergies, laboratory results, and treatment plans. EHRs are used by healthcare providers to store, manage, and exchange patient information securely, with the goal of improving patient care, reducing medical errors, and increasing efficiency in healthcare delivery.

EHRs provide numerous benefits in healthcare, including improved access to patient information, streamlined communication among healthcare providers, enhanced patient safety through accurate medication management and allergy alerts, and increased data accuracy and completeness. EHRs also support decision-making and clinical workflows, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions based on complete and up-to-date patient information.

EHRs may be integrated with other health information systems, such as electronic prescribing systems, laboratory information systems, and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), to create a comprehensive electronic health information exchange.