Data management is a very crucial process in the medical sector. Proper attention is to be given when you are in this process. It is not to forget that this job is a very tedious one. A lot of challenges arise during the process. Here, we have discussed some of them.
1. Data Duplication
This is the foremost problem in patient record management that I guess many of you are aware of. If you haven’t, it means you are just lucky. You will come across this issue quite often in the medical sector. What really happens here is that- one patient ends up in claiming more than one record.
This is mainly happening because the data is being entered differently each time he/she comes to the hospital. Imagine having one name in the record as “Allen” and another like “Alen.” Sounds harmless, right? But it’s more problematic when you are asked to bring the right record when the doctor asks you on an emergency basis. Bet you will get hold of the wrong file! All this can be resolved when the proper software is used.
2. Data Storage Capacity
Have you ever wondered where all the records of the patients are being stored? Let me tell you. It all gets stored in cloud storage. You can easily access them in your comfort. But what will happen when the sector evolves? In other words, more and more records, such as test findings, treatment data, etc, are being produced. There comes the problem of a lack of data storage capacity. The medical sector is cautious enough to keep it always available so that you aren’t waiting in long queues to get your records written in the register. Isn’t it a good move?
3. Accessibility
Doctors can be frustrated when they don’t have the patient’s medical records while they are in the operating theatre. When one speaks of the records being accessible, it means that it is availed whenever they are demanded. Imagine repeating the same symptoms to the doctors on a countless basis just because they dont have the previous records easily available. I can feel you totally. What if I say this problem can be resolved? Yes, you heard it right. Regular qualitative training for the staff with technologies and proper supervision would surely save time.
4. Human Error
Let me change the scenario. Have you ever been wrongly diagnosed for a specific cause because of someone’s mistake while making the entries to your record? Hope no one faces it [ Fingers Crossed]. People tend to make mistakes in spite of using the apt software tools. And these mistakes may cost you your life! It is always advisable to go through regular audits and staff training to minimize this mishap.
5. Obsolete Machines
Believe it or not, there are still quite a number of places that are using the traditional method of record keeping, i.e.; on paper. The presence of obsolete machines is the real cause of this. It really blows my mind to even imagine going through thousands of pages to get hold of one specific information. It’s a better choice to switch to electronic health records [EHR]. Of Course it’s quite expensive, but it’s worth the try to save time and energy.
Key Takeaways
You have gone through some vital issue and how to resolve them. Whether you talk about getting accustomed to new tech or providing quality training to the staff, keep in mind that every small step counts in the process of patient record management. Do you feel the same? Well, there are endless discussions we can have on this topic.