Electronic Patient Records for Dental School Clinics: More Than Paperless Systems

Abstract

The Electronic Patient Record (EPR) or "computer-based medical record" is defined by the Patient Record Institute as "a repository for patient information with one health-care enterprise that is supported by digital computer input and integrated with other information sources." The information technology revolution coupled with everyday use of computers in clinical dentistry has created new demand for electronic patient records. Ultimately, the EPR should improve health care quality. The major short-term disadvantage is cost, including software, equipment, training, and personnel time involved in the associated business process re-engineering. An internal review committee with expertise in information technology and/or database management evaluated commercially available software in light of the unique needs of academic dental facilities. This paper discusses their deficiencies and suggests areas for improvement. The dental profession should develop a more common record with standard diagnostic codes and clinical outcome measures to make the EPR more useful for clinical research and improve the quality of care.

Implementing of Electronic Medical Record in Pelvic Floor Ward: A Pilot Study

“…Atkinson et al have reported that EMRs support clinical decision-making; this information developed for medical clinics provide treatment suggestions based on the patient's signs, symptoms and clinical data. This system can be used to advise students and faculty of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for various clinical situations and Electronic data interchange, including data sharing with other health professionals [8]. Williams et al also showed the potential role of EMR systems on enhancement of healthcare delivery and facilitation of decision-making processes [3].…”

Reliability study of clinical electronic records with paper records in the NSW Public Oral Health Service

“…1 The evolution of information systems and increased use of computers in clinical dentistry has placed more emphasis on the use of patient electronic health records (EHRs). 2 A literature review by Hayrinen et al 3 provided an EHR classification based on the International Organization for Standardisation classification, and highlighted the need for common terminology, especially when defining EHRs. Their paper defined an EHR as a repository of patient data in digital form, securely stored and transferable, made accessible upon request by different users with appropriate authorisation, and containing multilevel information for the efficient provision of integrated quality healthcare.…”

“…Benefits of EHRs in clinical facilities can include improved record control, efficient documentation, storage and access to patient data, and improved information for clinical management with quality data for appraisal of patient care. 2 However, there are many different EHR systems, and this plethora of record types has caused confusion. This is especially true in the dental arena, which is a primary care system that collects huge amounts of data.…”

“…1 Well-designed EHRs can capture and enable comparison and analysis of patients' and practitioners' activities for quality improvement purposes. 2 Atkinson 2 found that a large percentage of electronic dental record data collected daily had the potential to be reused for research, generating new knowledge and improving patient care. Other researchers have demonstrated an increase in the reuse of electronic dental records for research, and have outlined common pitfalls associated with paper records, such as double handling of data and the likelihood of error in data transfer from paper to electronic databases.…”

Problems of education in foreign university dental clinics

“…Обсуждаются его недостатки, предлагаются варианты улучшения. Профессора стоматологии должны разработать более общую запись со стандартными диагностическими кодами и клиническими протоколами, чтобы сделать электронную карту более полезной для клинического приема и улучшить качество медицинской помощи [39].…”