As more healthcare providers (HCPs) use electronic health records (EHRs), the hope is that everyone can work together to share your vital health information—from the emergency room to your HCP’s office to the pharmacy and billing office. The goal is to connect your entire healthcare team, all working in your best interest, to make sure you're getting the care you need. Simply put, EHRs are the way of the future.
But there are potential downsides to EHRs, too. Like any newer technology, EHR systems can have glitches or be confusing for HCPs and their staff to use. Often, there aren’t processes in place to check for mistakes, either. This can lead to errors like missing medication information, incorrect or delayed diagnosis, or even receiving the wrong treatment.
In fact, in a survey of nearly 30,000 patients published in 2020 in JAMA Network Open, 20 percent found an error in their EHR. Of those who found an error, about 40 percent felt it was serious.
Even brand-new or upgraded systems aren’t immune to problems. In a 2022 study by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO), researchers examined a new EHR system at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. The GAO found problems with the data transferred into the new system, along with some functionality issues. Errors included compromised patient safety due to inaccurate allergy, medication, and immunization data.
So, what's the solution? While hospitals and healthcare facilities already take many steps to protect patients, it’s important to look out for yourself, too.
Five ways to protect yourself
Errors sometimes happen but being a proactive patient can help you limit them. Here are five ways to reduce your risk of EHR-related errors and protect your health.
Understand your condition
Knowing as much as possible about your treatment plan—for example, what your medications are, how much to take and when, and what to avoid—can help you recognize errors on your own at the pharmacy or during another step in your care.
Ask questions and raise concerns
If something doesn't sound right, or if you simply aren't on the same page with your HCP, speak up. This is especially true when your HCP is asking you to sign a consent form for a procedure or treatment.
Request access to your records
Some offices and labs will give people secure access to their records online. You can also request a hard copy, but the office might charge you a small fee.
Maintain a personal health record
Try to learn how a personal health record is different from your medical record. Make an effort to keep it current, complete, and easily accessible.
Update everyone
Don't assume that your HCPs have all the information they need. Be sure to tell your primary care provider about any changes in medications or your overall health since your last visit, so they can see the entire picture of how you're doing and better coordinate your care.
Sources: Palojoki S, Saranto K, et al. Classifica... + 2
- Palojoki S, Saranto K, et al. Classification of Electronic Health Record-Related Patient Safety Incidents: Development and Validation Study. JMIR Med Inform. 2021;9(8):e30470.
- Bell SK, Delbanco T, Elmore JG, et al. Frequency and Types of Patient-Reported Errors in Electronic Health Record Ambulatory Care Notes. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e205867.
- U. S. Government Accountability Office. Electronic Health Records: VA Needs to Address Data Management Challenges for New System. Page published February 1, 2022.
