Accurate electronic health records important for patient safety

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Legally reviewed by:
Steven R. Davis and John A. Davis, Jr.
May 5, 2016

As many Houston area residents may have observed, the world of health records is moving into the digital world. Most doctors are now using electronic health records instead of hand recording. Although this can be more convenient, any errors can have severe consequences, including wrongful death, for patients.
Just 8 years ago less than 20% of doctors used electronic health records. By 2014, over 80% of doctors used electronic health records. Electronic health records offer a number of advantages to both patients and doctors. Doctors can have quick and easy access to a patient’s health history, medications and lab results. This often makes patient records more accurate and can allow for better patient care.
However, an inaccurate electronic health record can be detrimental to a patient and mistakes are easy to make. There can be unintended typos and deletions. Or a drop down menu can be misinterpreted. Using templates to auto populate data can also cause errors. And sometimes scribes who are not properly trained on how to use electronic health records can make errors.
Patients have suffered from many injuries because of inaccurate EHRs. Patients have been given inaccurate medication doses, undergone unnecessary surgeries and not received proper care because of missing information. One doctor misinterpreted a woman’s electronic health record that said “unknown/last five years” for a tetanus show to mean that she did not need a shot. The woman wound up dying of tetanus because she had actually never had a shot.
A person who believes they have suffered an unexpected injury due to an inaccurate electronic health record may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.
Source: mdnews.com, “Inaccurate EHRs can have severe consequences for patients and physicians”, Cliff Robertson, April 28, 2016

John A. Davis, Jr.

EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY

John A. Davis, Jr. and Steven R. Davis

May 5 2016

Steven R. Davis and John A. Davis, Jr. are experienced attorneys at Davis & Davis, a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases in Texas. With a deep commitment to justice that guides their ethical approach, Davis and Davis have dedicated their careers to helping victims of medical negligence. They and their team continue to advocate for clients, despite the challenges posed by Texas's cap on recoverable damages in malpractice lawsuits. Davis & Davis pride themselves on their extensive experience in the field and their readiness to meet clients across the United States.

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