Dear Editor,
Many are aware -and those unaware would be correct to assume- that our public healthcare system is largely still paper-based. We depend on a pen and paper to document a large portion of the most important aspects of an individual’s health with the knowledge that these paper medical records are obviously vulnerable to physical elements such as fire, water damage and pests, that they provide no source of back-up or security, require large amounts of physical space for storage purposes, and lastly; necessitate a manual written process which is both time consuming and has potential for significant error. It is therefore no surprise that many healthcare systems, primarily of developed countries, have chosen to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). This is an organised set of computerized information systems which function to collect, store and display patients’ medical information, and typically also satisfy the function of replacing paper-based medical records. They are dynamic and can be made available across providers, care settings and time periods and are traditionally protected through proactive strategies, such as fine-grained access control technologies. While we acknowledge that the process involved in the implementation of EMRs is one that requires time, manpower, technological expertise and administrative support, we also recognize that the benefits from its successful implementation are numerous. In the long run, this resource will serve to bolster the integrity and efficiency of our healthcare system for generations. It is therefore our recommendation that the relevant personnel in our healthcare system consider the initiative to implement EMRs with the knowledge of the numerous advantages and endless possibilities they offer.
Sincerely,
Concerned Final Year Medical
Students
University of Guyana
