Electronic Health Records and Meaningful

Electronic Health Records and Meaningful Use:

Electronic health records are electronic versions of the medical history of patients that are maintained by healthcare providers over time. These records may also include all of the major administrative clinical information that is relevant to the patient under care by the specific care provider. Some of the clinical data include the patient's demographics, progress notes, previous medical history, medications, problems, radiology reports, laboratory data, important signs, and immunizations. Due to their importance and impact on the delivery of care services to patients, the government has mandated healthcare facilities and organizations to shift from paper system to paperless or electronic systems.

Electronic health records are meaningful because of the numerous benefits they provide to patients and the healthcare providers. Some of these benefits include the provision of complete and accurate information, improved access to clinical information, and empowerment of patients. Through electronic health records, healthcare providers have complete access to necessary information that facilitate the provision of best possible care even before the start the examination. The records have also enabled the providers to access the needed information to diagnose health problems at an early stage and enhance patients' outcomes. Patients are also empowered by the use of such systems because the take a more active role in their health and those of their families ("Electronic Health Records and Meaningful Use," 2011).

The main reason for the government's mandate for health institutions to shift to paperless systems is because they deliver functions that paper records cannot provider. Some of the functions include supporting improved follow-up information for patients, improving the convenience between providers and patients, and enhancing coordinated care. Moreover, the records make health patients medical information available in a timely manner.

Solving a Problem in the Workplace:

Generally, workplace environments usually have their issues and sets of problems that need to be solved in order to improve the productivity of the workplace. Some of these issues in the workplace are usually bigger than they appear and have to be addressed with tact and understanding. Due to the need to solve the issues that emerge in the workplace, various problem solving approaches have emerged and are used to help in finding solution to the issues. Regardless of the utilized or adopted problem-solving model, the process generally involves several stages (Hicks, 2004, p.35). However, it's not necessary to strictly adhere to the stages in a particular problem-solving model in order to be effective in finding the solution to the problem.

An example of a current issue in the workplace setting is the lack of motivation by the employees in their work that contributes to the ineffective or poor delivery of services. This issue can be solved through the use of a problem-solving model that incorporates seven important stages. These stages are identification of the underlying problem or issues, understanding people's interests, listing potential solutions, evaluating options, choosing the best possible option, recording agreements, and agreeing on possibilities and evaluation.