Electronic Health Records

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are application systems that automate the activities of healthcare clinicians including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other clinicians. The term “EHR” encompasses Electronic Medical Records (EMRs used by clinicians) and Personal Health Records (PHRs primarily used by healthcare consumers). Use of EHRs is increasing rapidly due to the systems’ benefits and federal government programs to deploy them and utilize them effectively (“Meaningful Use”). This increased use of EHRs has many challenges, including data complexity, security requirements, integration with multiple related systems, myriad stakeholders, and a broad impact on workflows. This course will focus on real-world use and deployment of EHRs through readings, hands on labs and case studies. Students will: (1) Learn the functionality of EHRs through hands-on labs; (2) Learn the technical infrastructure required for EHRs including distributed architecture, network and security design; and (3) Understand how EHRs change healthcare delivery workflows and how to manage such changes.