Understanding DHR and its advantages for patients
Digital health records, modern digital versions of a patient’s health record are instant, secure and reliable. For patients, they have many advantages:
Improved patient care:
DHRs provide healthcare providers with quick and easy access to a patient’s complete medical history, including allergies, medications, test results, and treatment plans. This can help providers make more informed decisions about a patient’s care, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Easier access to records:
Patients can access their own DHRs through a secure portal, which means they can view their medical history, test results, and other information at any time. This can be especially helpful if a patient is seeing multiple providers or if they need to access their records while traveling. It also means that patients don’t have to worry about carrying around physical copies of their records or trying to remember important details about their health history.
Improved coordination of care:
DHRs can help coordinate care between different providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. This can help prevent errors, such as prescribing conflicting medications, and can ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care.
Fewer errors and less paperwork:
DHRs can help reduce errors, such as prescribing the wrong medication or administering the wrong dosage. In addition, DHRs can reduce the amount of paperwork that patients and providers have to deal with, making the healthcare process more efficient and streamlined. This can be a major benefit for both patients and doctors, who often have to deal with piles of paperwork and administrative tasks.
Enhanced patient engagement:
With DHRs, patients can be more actively involved in their own healthcare. They can view their medical history, track their progress, and even communicate with their doctors through secure messaging. This can help empower patients to take charge of their own health and make informed decisions about their care. For example, if a patient has a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, they can track their symptoms and medication adherence through their DHR and share that information with their doctor.
Overall, digital health records have many advantages for patients that make them an important part of the healthcare industry. They can help improve patient care, make it easier for patients to access their records, improve coordination of care, reduce errors and paperwork, and enhance patient engagement.