In This Issue of Occupational Medicine

Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly used throughout medicine including in occupational health (OH). Sometimes systems are stand-alone; however, the greatest benefit is seen when there is connectivity facilitating the exchange of patient data. Nissinenet al. [1], from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, surveyed Finnish OH physicians about their experience of using EHRs. Despite a nationwide patient data repository called Kanta, physicians reported a number of problems with the usability, including a lack of support for the assessment of workability, the coordination of care and rehabilitation, and support for return to work. The investigators were also surprised to find physicians still using paper or fax to elicit necessary patient information from other organizations. It appears that the ‘Axe the Fax’ movement still has work to do!
Source: Occupational Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research