Electronic Health Record Case Analysis Essay

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Electronic Health Records Case Analysis With the introduction of the Affordable Healthcare Act came the wide spread adoption of electronic health records (EHR). Prior to EHR’s, healthcare providers wrote down all their patient observations and diagnosis on paper charts, now it is common practice to be entering this information electronically via a computer. While this advancement is, efficient and allows for patient data to be more attainable by other health care providers, it is not without its drawbacks and challenges. From an ergonomics position many EHR computers are installed in offices and patient units where computer placement was an afterthought in the design process. A mixture of laptops and desktops are combined with stand up mobile carts and desk mounted units. Users are required to use various postures, positions, and frequently need to rotate their head, neck, and torsos to switch between the patient and EHR terminal. Case Analysis Purpose and Significance The purpose of this case analysis is to conduct an ergonomic risk assessment on electronic medical record terminals in two health care settings. The primary focus is the types of terminals used and how healthcare providers interact with patients and EHR …show more content…

This required bending of the necks, arms, wrists, and legs into positions that are of medium risk for fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Users experience a high rate of small range action, rotational activity is frequent due to the station being placed away from the patient. Users are continually required to leave their station, rotate in a chair, and then reset their posture. A high consistency of correct posture is not to be expected with this high degree of resetting. There is a high probability of neck injuries and potential for joint fatigue in the wrists. This assumes of continual rotation required to face the patient when talking to

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