Electronic health records access during a disaster.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Disaster Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems are associated with improved quality and cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery.
• Traditional paper-based record systems present significant vulnerabilities during disruptive events.
• Superstorm Sandy highlighted the potential for EHR systems to maintain patient care continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems in ensuring patient care continuity during large-scale disasters.
• To assess the additional effort and investment required for EHR systems to function during emergencies.
• To demonstrate the resilience of EHR systems in the face of infrastructural damage and power outages.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of healthcare provider data and operational resilience post-Superstorm Sandy.
• Review of EHR system capabilities during widespread power outages and facility damage.
• Assessment of the incremental costs and efforts for disaster preparedness with EHRs.

Main Results:

• Healthcare providers utilizing EHR systems demonstrated enhanced recovery capabilities following Superstorm Sandy.
• EHR systems can facilitate ongoing patient care despite significant infrastructural challenges and power disruptions.
• Minimal additional investment can optimize EHR systems for disaster scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems significantly bolster healthcare provider resilience and patient care continuity during disasters.
• Leveraging EHR systems for disaster preparedness is a cost-effective strategy for mitigating the impact of severe events.
• The findings underscore the importance of robust EHR infrastructure for modern healthcare systems facing increasing environmental and infrastructural risks.