The significance of electronic health records to reduction of patient safety events in hospitals

Abstract

Objectives: The alarming rate of occurrence of Patients Safety Events (PSEs) with all its ugly consequences is fast becoming a global emergency requiring well-coordinated and resolute intervention strategy to mitigate. PSEs are a daily occurrence in hospitals worldwide and it affects several of millions of patients yearly. This Research Project was aimed at examining and determining 'The Significance of Electronic Health Records to Reduction of Patients Safety Events in Hospitals'. Methods: The relationship between Electronic Heath Records (EHR) and PSEs was determined through a positivist epistemology using the Survey methodology and quantitative method of research. Results: The researcher hypothesis was confirmed with the majority 48.6% respondents agreeing and 41.8% strongly agreeing to assumption. The majority 52.4% respondents also strongly agree that the adoption of EHR in hospitals will guarantee an improved quality of care, improved population's health and improved efficiency of the health care system generally. Conclusion: The study affirmed that adoption of EHR will significantly reduce PSEs in the hospital. This however can only be achieved with a 'good' EHR system and a stable power supply. A 'good' EHR system is that which contains all the EHR elements i.e. (Clinical Data Repository (CDR), Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), and the Physician Documentation (PD). This is the sure pathway to the much-desired safety in our hospitals.