The keepers of the electronic medical record systems have been inducted into the c-suite.
It has been over 2 decades since the US was introduced to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which was the first legislation to push the use of electronic medical records (EMR). Most health systems have implemented or are in the processes of implementing some form of an EMR into everyday workflow for patient care and administrative tasks. The EMR is an entirely new aspect of healthcare that needs way more attention than originally thought. So, who is going to take care of it? Well, ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce the new members of the c-suite and the keepers of the electronic medical record, Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Data Analytics Officer and Chief Nursing Informatics Officer.
These 3 roles play a crucial role in assuring the security and accuracy of patient information. Most, if not all, patient information is kept in the electronic medical record, which is housed on a server on site or at a remote location. The information kept in these systems is personal and confidential, so it is vital that the security of this information is in place and monitored daily. The information must also be accurate. A key part of EMRs is the ability to analyze large amounts of patient data in less time than reviewing individual patient charts. It’s important that all of the information is charted correctly in the EMR so that the data pulled out of the EMR is correct.
All 3 of these positions work together with the current members of the c-suite to assure lower costs, improve the patient experience and achieve quality outcomes.
