Incorporating an EPR system with a universal patient record

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Record Systems
• Distributed Ledger Technology

Background:

• Current Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems often operate in silos, limiting data accessibility and interoperability.
• Fragmented patient data hinders comprehensive care coordination and efficient healthcare delivery.
• The need for a unified, secure, and accessible patient medical record is a persistent challenge in modern healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for a distributed universal patient medical record leveraging EPR system modifications.
• To explore the potential benefits of such a system for healthcare stakeholders.
• To outline the architectural considerations for implementing a shared, decentralized medical record.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework development for a distributed universal patient medical record.
• Analysis of potential system architectures for enhanced data sharing.
• Review of existing EPR capabilities and limitations regarding interoperability.

Main Results:

• A conceptual model for a distributed universal patient medical record is presented.
• Identified potential benefits include improved data accuracy, enhanced patient engagement, and streamlined clinical workflows.
• The proposed system architecture supports secure, auditable, and patient-centric data management.

Conclusions:

• Modifying existing Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems to support a distributed universal patient medical record is feasible.
• Such a system offers substantial advantages for healthcare efficiency, data integrity, and patient care.
• Further research and development are warranted to realize the full potential of this approach.