Hospitals Risk Error in Simultaneous Use of Paper, Digital Records
12June2013
Hospitals that are transitioning to electronic medical records systems but still use some paper records may be at risk of committing errors in the care of patients.
A new analysis of data by the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority found a significant number of errors when a hospital used both paper records and electronic medical records. Often, the errors were the result of staff miscommunication and overlooking of critical information.
Approximately 74 percent of the errors were related to medication mistakes, which often have the potential to cause serious patient injury.
Many hospitals around the country are moving toward a paperless medical record system based entirely on electronic documentation. However, the transition can be tricky, and hospitals need to have a system to make the move error-free.
Other studies also have found communication problems related to electronic records. When a hospital moves to electronic records, medical personnel need to collaborate to avoid miscommunication. It also is important for a hospital to set up a system of accountability and to regularly monitor and evaluate the use of electronic records.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC represent victims of medical negligence by doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel in Seattle and across Washington.
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