What is the primary difference between electronic and paper-based health records?

The primary difference between electronic and paper-based health records lies in the ability to share electronic records easily. Electronic health records (EHRs) are designed to facilitate seamless information exchange among healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders within the healthcare community. This interoperability allows for real-time access to patient information, enhancing care coordination, reducing errors, and improving overall patient outcomes.

Additionally, electronic records can be integrated with various digital tools and systems, making it easier to access and analyze health data for improved clinical decision-making. They enable health information to be shared securely and efficiently, ensuring that important updates and changes in a patient’s health history can be accessed quickly by authorized personnel, regardless of location.

In contrast, paper-based records are often cumbersome, requiring physical transfer of documents for any information sharing, which can delay access to critical health information and potentially compromise patient care.