Also research the capabilities
and reliability of your EHR sys-
tem. Consult with your EHR
vendor about how the system is
installed, maintained and how
the EHR should be properly
used in the flow of patient care.
In these discussions, ask about
software updates, since they can
cause minor glitches and inad-
vertently jumble up information,
and if the EHR vendor will be
accessible and responsive to
address any issues. Another option is to check to see if a staff
member at your facility can be trained in the software to trou-
bleshoot any problems. Finally, you also want to know how the
system works with other EHRs. For example, if a patient comes
from a surgeon's office that uses a different EHR system, will the
information transfer over seamlessly or will data need to be trans-
ferred manually?
Proper attention to detail and maintenance of the EHR is critical to
adequate patient care. The best way to avoid the potential pitfalls of
EHRs? Use the technology with caution and care. While the minor
errors in electronic records can be a cause for concern, proper use of
EHRs could potentially reduce the likelihood of medical malpractice
claims due to resulting improvements in the quality of your patient
care.
OSM
Mr. Robertson (cliff.robertson@strasburger.com) is an attorney with
Strasburger & Price in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, he served as in-house
counsel to Children's Medical Center of Dallas.
J U N E 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 1
Most EHR malpractice
cases must show that
any negligence was a
result of the provider's
"willful and wanton"
conduct, meaning the
provider exhibited a
reckless disregard for
the safety of patients.
