Regulatory and electronic alphabet soup: practice improvements and implications for providers.
The growth of health information technology, the focus on patient safety and an increased degree of regulatory involvement in the practice of medicine have all transformed the way practitioners provide care. This paper reviews some of the recognized benefits of these advances, while outlining some of the challenges for providers at the bedside, utilizing a case study involving a hypothetical obstetric patient. The way external factors, such as information technology and regulatory requirements, influence the daily practice of medicine, should be carefully considered as the profession evolves.Integration and streamlining processes should remain a guiding principle to ensure patient safety and assist with workflow.
Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA 02114, USA. EETracy@partners.org
Erin E
EE
Tracy
Lisa R
LR
Leffert
Valerie L
VL
Clark
Jeffrey
J
Ecker
D005161:Facility Regulation and Control; D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D017751:Safety Management; D014481:United States