Image retrieved from https://health.sunnybrook.ca/navigator/access-medical-records-deceased-relative/
Health Records
There has been a discovery that ancient Egyptians from 1,600-3,000 BC have indicated the use of medical records (Evans, 2016). These health records were written in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyri (Evans, 2016)! Health records are the pivotal piece in any hospital or clinic. A health record is the “documentation of a patient’s medical history and care” (Evans, 2016).
It was not until the beginning of 1900 that paper health records were starting to be steadily used (Evans, 2016). Traditionally, health records were primarily written on paper and stored away in medical folders. However, these paper records usually were the only copy available, making it difficult sometimes locate or restore.
With new technology being developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, it paved the road for the introduction of electronic health records (EHRs) (Evans, 2016). In 1992, EHRs were developed and used at a number of academic impatient and outpatient medical facilities (Evans, 2016). However, the traction and implementation of EHRs lagged behind.
Today, many hospitals and clinics use at least one form of electronic health records, however, most are still using a hybrid approach that involves both paper and electronic health records (Evans, 2016).
Have a look at this video (4:06) that describes how important it is to have an EHR and the benefits it provides for doctors and other medical staff.
Activity – Watch and Share
The objective of this activity is to encourage students to find an interesting video and to share it with the rest of your Pod. As well as encourage discussion between the students to explore the other videos posted by your Pod mates.
Within your Pod, have each person find a video (approximately 5 minutes) on YouTube about health records (it can be paper or electronic!). On this forum, you will be able to post and reply to your Pod mates. Once you have found a video, please write a short summary of the video and include one or two things you have learned from watching the video.
Please make sure to comment on at least one of your peers’ post.