The Impact of Electronic Health Record (EHR) Errors on Malpractice Claims

In an era where digitalization is transforming healthcare, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are central to efficient and effective patient care. However, like any technology, EHR systems are not immune to errors. These errors can have significant repercussions, including malpractice claims that can affect healthcare providers and institutions alike. This listicle explores how EHR errors contribute to malpractice claims and provides actionable advice for mitigating these risks.

1. Inaccurate Data Entry

One of the most common EHR errors is inaccurate data entry. Whether it’s a typo in a medication dosage or incorrect patient information, these errors can lead to serious medical complications.

Example

A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA) found that 70% of medication errors in EHRs were due to incorrect data entry.

Tip

To prevent such errors, healthcare providers can implement double-check systems where another healthcare professional reviews the data before finalizing it.

2. Software Glitches

EHR systems are complex and can sometimes suffer from software glitches that lead to data loss or corruption. These technical issues can cause delays in patient care and increase the risk of malpractice claims.

Example

In 2019, a large hospital system experienced a software glitch that resulted in the loss of critical lab results for over 1,000 patients. This incident led to numerous malpractice claims and a damaged reputation.

Tip

Regular software updates and maintenance can help mitigate the risk of glitches. Additionally, having a robust backup system ensures that data can be recovered quickly if problems arise.

3. Poor User Interface Design

A poorly designed user interface can increase the likelihood of human error. If healthcare professionals find the EHR system difficult to navigate, they are more prone to making mistakes.

Example

A report by the Pew Charitable Trusts highlighted that complex and non-intuitive EHR interfaces contributed to 35% of all reported EHR-related errors.

Tip

Investing in user-friendly EHR systems and providing comprehensive training for healthcare staff can significantly reduce the incidence of errors.

4. Lack of Interoperability

Interoperability issues occur when different EHR systems cannot easily share information. This lack of seamless data exchange can result in incomplete patient records, leading to misdiagnoses and improper treatment plans.

Example

An article in Health Affairs noted that 25% of malpractice claims were linked to interoperability issues, where critical patient information was not available when needed.

Tip

Choosing EHR systems that comply with industry standards for interoperability and fostering collaboration between different healthcare providers can help ensure a complete and accurate patient record.

5. Copy-Paste Errors

The “copy-paste” function in EHRs, while time-saving, can lead to the propagation of outdated or incorrect information. This can complicate a patient’s treatment plan and lead to adverse outcomes.

Example

A 2018 study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of EHR-related errors were due to the inappropriate use of the copy-paste function.

Tip

Encouraging healthcare providers to review and update copied information ensures that patient records remain current and accurate. Implementing audit trails can also track changes and identify potential errors.

6. Inadequate Training

Insufficient training on EHR systems can lead to user errors. When healthcare staff are not fully versed in using the system, the likelihood of mistakes increases.

Example

An analysis by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) revealed that inadequate training was a contributing factor in 40% of EHR-related malpractice claims.

Tip

Ongoing training programs and regular refresher courses can keep healthcare professionals up-to-date with the latest features and best practices for using EHR systems.

Conclusion

EHR errors can have far-reaching consequences, including increased malpractice claims. By understanding the types of common errors and implementing strategies to mitigate them, healthcare providers can enhance patient safety and reduce legal risks. Take proactive steps today to ensure your EHR system is optimized for accuracy, usability, and interoperability.