1. How would electronic
health record
contribute to patient
empowerment?

2. What is an electronic
health record?
• The electronic health record is a system where a
patient’s health care information, demographic,
medical history, medication, allergies
immunization status, laboratory test results,
radiology, images, vital signs, personal statistics-
age, weight and billing information is recorded in
a digital format and that information can be
transferred between health facilities where the
patient visits and among the health team who is
caring for the patient. It is a transformation of a
paper based system to a computerized system.

3. How is the electronic health
record used?
• Admission- a patient can use a patient portal/
kiosk to schedule appointments or use at a
hospital setting when being admitted. From
admission, discharge to continuous care a
patient medical information is recorded and
entered into the computer. They are part of
the care as they can view details of their
medical plan along with the health care
provider.

4. Benefits of using the
electronic health record
• There are many benefits that can be derived from
using the Electronic Health Record, the following
are:
 Alert systems in place – alert the physician and
patient are also informed when there are
abnormal results, allergies and hypersensitivity to
drugs – drug recall, time for routine procedures
along with procedural preparation.

5. Benefits cont’d
Electronic prescription will prevent potential
and medication errors/ misplaced prescription
by patients.
Time and money saved travelling from point
A-B to get results and to be medically
reviewed, less waiting periods.
Accurate, faster, earlier and shorter ways to
communicate with health provider.

6. Benefits cont’d
 Prevention of medical errors from illegible hand
writing.
 Better access to information using the Electronic
Health Record facilitate greater access to
information, providers need to diagnose health
problem earlier and improve the health out come
of patients, Electronic Health Record also allow
information to be shared more easily among
Doctors, hospitals and health system leading to
better care.

7. Patient empowerment
• Patient will like to be more involved I their
own health care and the use of the Electronic
Health Records will make it simpler and will
help to empower patients to take a more
active role in their health, view and discuss
their health care information with families and
doctors.

8. • They will ask more questions, be better
informed about health issues, and therefore
be able to make more conscious decision
about treatment and lifestyles in collaboration
with health care team and their families.
Respect will be demanded and dignity in
treatment.
Reference:
Carter J, What is the Electronic Health Record
25/2012
Sustains- EPF- European Patient forum
www.eu-patient.eu/initiative-Policy/Projects