Electronic medical records: a critical evaluation of the ALERT system
Keywords:
computerized medical records systems, medical order entry systems, database management systems, clinical decisions support systemsAbstract
Background: electronic medical records (EMR) are computerized
systems with a potential beneficial effect in health care, in terms
of improving quality and minimizing error. The ALERT system is
a rapidly growing EMR in the whole world, and is the most used EMR in public hospitals in Portugal.
Methods: we reviewed current articles on information technology benefits to health care carrying out a critical evaluation of
our ongoing experience with the ALERT system.
Results: among the several functionalities proven to be beneficial on an EMR, the ALERT systems have two: recording and
conveying information as well as therapy and additional tests
prescriptions. There are several dysfunctions on these two
functionalities, as well as on other areas of the system.
Conclusions: the ALERT system is an EMR in need of improvement on three main areas: the user interface, its function on
therapy guidance and the ability to respond to the user’s demands.
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