The Edge - Thought Leadership on the Epic (EHR)

Electronic health records (EHRs) have revolutionized healthcare, enabling healthcare professionals to store, access and share patient data more efficiently. The development of EHRs dates back to the 1960s when computers were first introduced in healthcare.

In this article, we will explore the history of EHRs and their evolution over time.

The Early Years

In the early days of EHRs, computers were large, expensive, and not widely available. However, the potential benefits of using computers to store and access medical records were apparent, and researchers began to experiment with various systems.

One of the earliest examples of a computerized medical record system was developed in 1972 by the Regenstrief Institute in Indiana. This system, called the Medical Record System, was designed to store patient information electronically and allow medical professionals to access and share data between different departments.

The Rise of Electronic Medical Records

In the 1980s, advancements in computer technology and the emergence of standardized medical coding systems led to the development of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). EMRs were the first generation of electronic health records, and they focused primarily on digitizing patient data, such as medical history, medications, allergies, and lab results.

EMRs were initially used in large healthcare organizations and hospitals, but they quickly gained popularity among smaller medical practices and clinics. One of the early adopters of EMRs was the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which implemented the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) in the 1980s.

The Development of EHRs

In the 1990s, the concept of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) emerged. EHRs expanded on the functionality of EMRs, providing a more comprehensive view of a patient's health by including data from multiple sources, such as imaging, pharmacy, and billing systems.

One of the earliest EHR systems was the Indian Health Service EHR, which was implemented in the early 1990s. This system was designed to provide medical professionals with a complete view of a patient's health, including medical history, lab results, medications, and imaging data.

The Adoption of EHRs

The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the adoption of EHRs. In 2004, President George W. Bush set a goal for all Americans to have an electronic health record by 2014. This goal was part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which provided funding to healthcare organizations to implement EHR systems.

The HITECH Act played a significant role in accelerating the adoption of EHRs in the United States. By 2017, over 86% of office-based physicians were using EHRs, up from just 42% in 2008.

The Benefits of EHRs

The widespread adoption of EHRs has brought many benefits to the healthcare industry. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Improved Patient Safety: EHRs can help reduce medical errors by providing medical professionals with access to up-to-date and accurate patient information.
2. Better Coordinated Care: EHRs allow medical professionals to share patient information easily, enabling better-coordinated care between different providers.
3. Increased Efficiency: EHRs can streamline administrative tasks and reduce paperwork, allowing medical professionals to spend more time with patients.
4. Enhanced Research Capabilities: EHRs can provide researchers with access to large amounts of medical data, enabling the development of new treatments and therapies.
5. Cost Savings: EHRs can help reduce healthcare costs by improving patient outcomes, reducing medical errors, and reducing administrative expenses.

The Future of EHRs

The future of EHRs is exciting, with new technologies and innovations set to transform healthcare even further.