How Advances in Electronic Medical Records Affect the Provision of Elderly Healthcare

Updated on May 16, 2023

The advancement of technology has affected all aspects of life and business and the provision of elderly healthcare is no different. This article examines how the improvements in the way medical records are kept and accessed have improved the overall care and health provision for the elderly. Electronic medical recording (EMR), more specifically, is a form of technological advancement that has the most positive outcomes for senior living and care.

EMR provides for simplistic shared medical information

The fact that the elderly may have several medical conditions requiring a range of specialists means that the ability to share these medical records is the only way to provide seamless care. 

One of the main issues in relation to health must be the storage and sharing of medical records. Electronic medical records now allow the health and well-being of seniors to be easily tracked and recorded using centralized and digitized systems. Another important factor is that seniors may move around the country or the state as they look for the best residential care solution, specialist medical care, or simply move to be closer to family. Being able to have access to electronic records no matter where they are is thus critical. 

Even residential care homes focusing on spirituality for the elderly are able to access the medical records of their patients or residents to provide holistic care that includes a focus on medical health using these EMRs. As long as they have the right level of permission, everyone who interacts with and cares for the elderly are now in a much better position to provide specific medical care.

Involves patients in their health care  

Older patients often felt external to the process of their medical care and recovery. Doctors and care agencies held all the information and data. EMR has changed this and even the most computer illiterate patients are now able to access and interact with their medical records and information using patient portals and electronic personal health records. 

They can see past medication, make appointments, interact with their care services and request repeat prescriptions, all from the comfort of their home/care home. Electronic medical records and access to them by the elderly themselves makes for a form of person-centered care which is now the aim for senior care and health-care provision.

Reduces clinical risk

Having a cogent system of EMS that can be shared and accessed by those with the relevant permissions is one of the key means to reduce clinical risk. The ability to issue the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage is minimized as all records can be accessed, and in fact,  the latest EMR with a degree of Artificial Intelligence won’t allow certain medications to be prescribed or given based on the patient’s history.

The provision of elderly healthcare is one of the most critical aspects of elderly care and senior living provision. The ability to track records in real time and for everyone involved in this care to have the most up-to-date information and patient data is possible through EMRs and should definitely be used to improve holistic care for the elderly.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.