The Evolution of Electronic Health Records in Modern Healthcare

Imagine you go for a doctor's visit and forget to carry your previous medical reports. Will you go back home to get those reports? If yes, your turn will be gone by the time you return to the clinic/hospital. That’s where having an electronic storage solution for health records surprises you with how the doctor stores your entire health history on his hard drive (computer) and retrieves it instantly as required. 

While most healthcare institutions used paper systems to store patients' health records, there was a drastic shift towards digital means in the mid-20th century. Hospitals started using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to store patient health information, including health history, diagnoses, lab results, and medications. However, this shift did not happen suddenly. History witnessed the unparalleled evolution of modern healthcare and EHR systems.

Let’s check out some key events in the books of the healthcare industry:

#1 - From Paper Charts to Digital Systems

Translating the origin of health records dates back to ancient Egypt, around 1600-3000 BC. At that time, papyri inscriptions were used for recording medical records. But, genuinely, the real practice of paper systems (like charts) started in 1900-1920. Yes, those same storerooms where racks of files for each patient were kept on shelves. However, the entry of EHR Technology in modern healthcare started in the 1960s and 1970s. 

At that time, new computers were developed, and organizations started utilizing them for storing data. Electronic health record (EHR) systems were used for administrative tasks like billing and appointment scheduling. But, if you see, in the next 30 years (in the 1990s), the real trend or evolution of electronic health records in healthcare began. Various hierarchical clinical systems, like Computer Stored Ambulatory Record (COSTAR), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), TrackMedRec (TMR), and others started prevailing in the industry. However, such inventions did not lead to the closure of paper records. It only marked the hybrid era where paper and electronic health records in healthcare were used.

#2 - Key Technological Milestones

Since 1992, there has been a 360-degree evolution of electronic health records where personal computers with graphics were used, and the power of the internet and local-area networks was being explored. Even image scanning, bill printouts, literature searching, providing drug references, and electronic signatures were possible at this point. Moreover, in the 2000s, government and popular health organizations also encouraged the adoption of EHR technology in modern healthcare. However, concerns for privacy and growing healthcare issues created obstacles, restricting complete transformation and acceptance. 

In the 2004 sample, 13% of the respondents had already implemented the EHR system, while 10% did not plan to do it sooner. However, in the later stages, advancements (like big data, cloud computing, interfaces to medical libraries, mobile devices, online prescriptions, alerts via email, and pagers/cell phones) caused a surge in demand. In 2024, almost 90% of organizations were found using EHR as a leveraging tool for population health management and other uses. 

#3 - Impact on Healthcare Delivery

The benefits of electronic health records are visible in healthcare institutions at each stage. One such positive impact is the improved patient care and increased efficiency. It has provided scope for minimal errors in recording patient information and enabling real-time access to the patient's allergies and other medical conditions.  Also, with the EHR, the probable use of paper gets reduced, along with space and time. Nonetheless, EHR technology allows hospitals to analyze the health history of multiple patients, decide on trends in public health issues, and connect healthcare facilities at times of public emergency.

Even EHR systems have an integrated infrastructure for facilitating better healthcare delivery. Let us look at multiple elements of modern EHR systems. 

#1 - Data Management Architecture

One of the vital or primary bases of electronic health records in healthcare is the data management architecture. This clinical repository system (CRS) is mostly utilized to store patient details, health history, or any concerning medical condition for easy access. It uses a standard data format like HL7 FHIR to store data in a centralized database and facilitate quick accessibility. 

#2 - Integration Capabilities

These systems record data and enable the integration of multiple facilities in one place. You can collaborate with other capabilities like laboratory information systems (LIS), radiology information systems (RIS), and pharmacy systems to ensure a smooth flow of information from detection to prevention. For example, hospitals may use these facilities to collect blood samples, perform tests, detect any ailment, and suggest suitable drugs for the condition. 

#3 - Security Infrastructure

Besides data management and medical facilities deployed, ensuring adequate privacy of patient data is also important. With blockchain and decentralized technology, only authorized users can access and utilize data for further diagnosis and population data management. Also, it is possible to detect unauthorized access attempts via audit trials. 

Throughout these years, the evolution of electronic healthcare records has brought many advanced features catering to patient care. A few of them are discussed below: 

#1 - Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

Diagnosis is a crucial element of any medical study, and it is very much possible with CDSS. Further diagnosis cannot be performed unless you have complete information on the patient's past health history, allergies, and major ailments. But with clinical decision support systems applications, you can analyze data and make decisions suitable for improving a patient's health condition. 

#2 - Up-to-the-Minute Data Analysis and Reporting

Since the 2000s, advanced analytics capabilities have enhanced modern healthcare and EHR systems. It allows healthcare professionals to analyze big data and provide timely identification of trends, early detection of potential problems, and suitable diagnosis. Also, you can access the data anytime and deploy predictive modeling techniques to forecast disease outbreaks and identify high-risk patients. Later, these insights can be reported to authorities and discussed thereon. 

#3 - Remote Access and Telemedicine Integration

EHR systems have profound applications worldwide. However, what makes them so popular is the remote access provided to healthcare providers anytime and anywhere. You can contact healthcare professionals and doctors virtually whenever you need to.

The rise of EHR technology in modern healthcare has pushed healthcare's potential to bring in more advancements. Some of the prime innovations in EHR systems that may acquire future stakes are discussed below:

#1 - AI and Machine Learning Applications

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning (ML) features have enabled early detection of diseases before they occur. Predictive analytics allow professionals to analyze vast amounts of data and look for patterns that can signal a potential ailment or likelihood of developing certain diseases. It also helps in drug discovery, manufacturing, medical imaging, and skin analysis. 

#2 - Blockchain in Healthcare Records

Deploying blockchain technology can potentially enhance the security and privacy of patient data residing in healthcare providers' databases. Also, efficient data sharing with authorized users can give patients and professionals more control.  

#3 - Internet of Medical Things Integration

At the outermost level, certain Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) wearable devices can help collect real-time patient data and provide users with a comprehensive view of their health. Some IoMT devices include smartwatches, glucose monitors, Parkinson's disease monitors, and connected inhalers.

Digitalization, in its current form, has emerged after a series of significant phases of the evolution of electronic health records in healthcare institutions. Many hospitals have deployed AI, ML, and blockchain to support their existing privacy and security concerns. Nonetheless, IoMT technology (wearable devices) and derived insights have also eased the diagnosis of most ailments. The future of healthcare, as depicted by the data-driven instances around, is bright, brimming with EHR innovations and futuristic technology.