The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into electronic medical record (EMR) systems is set to transform patient care in a variety of ways, according to a new report.
GlobalData’s Electronic Medical Record Systems report notes that since their initial development in the 1960s to simply provide digital version of personal health records, EMR systems have become an essential piece of the healthcare ecosystem that have evolved to become more multipurpose.
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“EMR systems are designed to replace tradition pen and paper-based records with digital tools that streamline healthcare workflows,” the report explains. “They provide comprehensive storage of patient demographics, medical history, diagnoses, medications and treatment plans. Additionally, many EMR systems facilitate scheduling, billing and other administrative tasks.”
It adds that they “have evolved to provide deep AI-driven analysis that provides clinical decision support (CDS), software that prompts physicians to reach out to patients and vice versa.”
AI EMR systems
The report contends that EMR systems will serve as the connecting instrument as the world “navigates towards personalised medicine, remote patient monitoring and telehealth”, facilitating record-keeping and communication.
As part of their growing role, EMR systems will make increasing use of AI, it is suggested.
“By integrating AI and machine learning (ML), modern CDS systems [within EMR systems] will continually improve, adapting to new data and refining recommendations over time,” the report says of the technology’s potential for aiding diagnostic assistance, evidence-based care pathways and predictive analytics.
It adds: “AI can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict patient outcomes. Other AI technologies, such as voice recognition and automated documentation systems, can streamline administrative tasks that would typically consume a significant amount of time. AI can also facilitate data-driven decision-making, which helps in optimising treatment plans and improving overall care quality.”
The use of AI to analyse big data will be of particular benefit.
“By leveraging vast amounts of data generated from various medical devices and patient interactions, healthcare organisations can identify trends, monitor population health and improve treatment outcomes,” the report outlines. “This analytical capability is becoming increasingly vital in delivering high-quality healthcare.”
