1. Lesson 1- Introduction to Electronic Health Records
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2. Lesson 1- Introduction to Health Information Technology
Objectives:
• Define the term EHR
• Recognize the purpose of and benefits of using an EHR
• Determine the aspects of Meaningful Use
• Identify barriers to use of an EHR

3. What is EHR?
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act outlines the development and implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the healthcare field.
EHR System technologies- software systems used to create a single, digital health record for each client.
Possible discussion questions:
Has anyone ever noticed healthcare providers using an EHR? (i.e., laptop, smart device, etc…)
Why do they think the government is interested in promoting EHR’s?
HITECH Act- allocated over $20 billion to promote the adoption and use of EHR systems.

4. EHR vs EMS Electronic Health Record
EHR- A digital record that is created, managed, and consulted by authorized providers and staff from across more than one health care organization.
Electronic Medical Record
EMR- A digital version of a paper chart of a client’s medical history that is stored in one healthcare provider’s office.
Possible discussion questions:
Has anyone ever heard of an EMR?
Does anyone know the difference between an EMR and an EHR?
While many use the terms interchangeably, they are different and the difference should be thoroughly discussed.

5. Benefits of EHR
The HITECH Act seeks to improve client care and reduce costs through use of EHRs.
According to the HITECH Act, the benefits of an EHR will include:
1. Present complete and accurate information about a client’s health to healthcare providers
Possible discussion questions:
What are some reasons you believe using an EHR is beneficial in improving client care and reducing costs?
2. Provide better and easier accessibility to health records
3. Empower clients to take a more active role in their health

6. Meaningful Use Program standards include:
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created “Meaningful Use”, a financial incentive program to encourage national use of EHR technology in order to improve client care.
Program standards include:
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers to coordinate client care
Discuss the idea of incentives with students and how the government is using them to encourage the implementation of EHR.
• Transmitting prescriptions directly to the pharmacy
• Allowing clients to participate in their own care through access to PHR systems

7. What is an EHR? What information is included in an EHR?
1. Provider Documentation:
Health care provider documentation, including details of current care and response to treatment
3. Pharmacy:
Pharmacy notes, prescription records, and medication administration records
Have students guess what information might be found in an EHR.
Additional information:
{#1}
EHR systems may contain provider documentation created by physicians and nurses working with a client. This documentation includes current care, responses to treatment, operative and procedure reports and flow sheets.
{#2}
EHR systems may also contain documentation of additional services for related care. This includes laboratory reports, radiology reports, and nutrition assessments.
{#3}
Access to notes exchanged with the pharmacies, prescription records, and records for how to administer medication may also be available in an EHR.
{#4}
Any additional reports and correspondence concerning clients will be kept in an EHR as well.
2. Ancillary Services:
Documentation of additional services for related care, including laboratory reports, radiology reports, and nutrition assessments
4. Reports/Correspondence:
Other reports and correspondence

8. Barriers to EHR?
There are barriers that have prevented healthcare providers and facilities from totally relying on EHR systems.
Cost:
• Initial start-up costs
• Ongoing support and maintenance
• Liability
Training:
• User resistance and computer literacy
• Training can be costly
Compatibility:
• Ability to share data across systems
Patient privacy:
• Protection of client’s PHR
• Data breaches
Workflow disruption:
• System downtime

9. Lesson 1- Introduction to Health Information Technology
Summary:
• Define the term EHR
• Recognize the purpose of and benefits of using an EHR
• Determine the aspects of Meaningful Use
• Identify barriers to use of an EHR
Have students share one idea/piece of information they learned.