What is the purpose of electronic health records (EHR)?

The purpose of electronic health records (EHR) is to streamline data management and improve care quality. EHRs provide a digital version of patients' paper charts, allowing for more efficient storage, retrieval, and sharing of medical information among healthcare providers. This technology enhances coordination of care by enabling providers to access a patient's complete medical history, including medications, test results, and treatment plans, at any time and from any location.

Furthermore, EHRs improve the quality of care by reducing errors, facilitating more accurate diagnoses, and enabling timely interventions. They also support evidence-based practices by allowing for the use of clinical decision support tools that can guide healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions. The overall goal of implementing EHRs is to foster a more efficient healthcare environment that enhances patient outcomes and contributes to a higher standard of medical care.