Glossary > Privacy > Healthcare Privacy > Patient Data Security

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient's paper chart, containing their medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. EHRs are maintained by healthcare providers and can be accessed by authorized personnel involved in the patient's care to provide accurate, up-to-date information.

Example #1

For instance, when a patient visits a new healthcare provider, their EHR can be instantly accessed to provide insights into their medical history, reducing the chance of redundant tests or conflicting treatments.

Example #2

Additionally, in emergency situations, EHRs allow medical professionals to quickly access critical information such as allergies or pre-existing conditions, leading to faster and more accurate care.

Misuse

Misuse of EHRs can occur when unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive patient data. For example, if a cybercriminal hacks into a healthcare provider's system and steals EHRs, they could misuse this information for identity theft or fraudulent activities. It is crucial to protect against such misuse to safeguard patient privacy and prevent harm.

Benefits

One significant benefit of EHRs is improved coordination of care among healthcare providers. For example, when a patient's primary care physician, specialists, and other healthcare professionals have access to the same EHR, they can collaborate more effectively on treatment plans, resulting in better outcomes for the patient.

Conclusion

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) play a vital role in modern healthcare by digitizing and consolidating patient information to enhance the quality of care, promote effective communication among healthcare providers, and streamline healthcare processes. Protecting the privacy and security of EHRs is essential to maintain patient trust and uphold confidentiality.