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Correct Answer: a cost-efficient means of documentation for the healthcare provider.
the 2003 iom (institute of medicine) patient safety report is a significant document that addresses various aspects of patient safety and the role of electronic medical records (emrs) in enhancing the quality of healthcare services. the report describes an emr as including several key features, however, it specifically does not list "a cost-efficient means of documentation for the healthcare provider" as one of them. this exclusion is important to understand in the context of the overall goals and observations made by the iom regarding emrs.
firstly, the report defines an emr as **a longitudinal collection of electronic health information about individual patients or populations**. this means that the emr maintains a continuous record of a patient's health information over time, making it accessible for analysis and ongoing healthcare. this aspect is crucial for ensuring that care is consistent and informed by an accurate history of the patient's interactions with healthcare systems.
another characteristic of emrs highlighted by the iom report is **immediate electronic access to a person's medical data by authorized users**. this feature is pivotal for providing timely care and can be critical in emergency situations where immediate access to a patient's medical history can inform decisions and potentially save lives. this real-time access also facilitates more coordinated and efficient healthcare delivery, as providers can quickly share and update information necessary for patient care.
moreover, the report discusses the **support for efficient provision processes in healthcare**. emrs can enhance the efficiency of healthcare services by streamlining workflows and reducing the redundancy of data entry. they support clinical decision-making by integrating various tools that assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions based on the latest guidelines and the patient's specific health information.
the report also emphasizes the **provision of knowledge and decision-support systems** within emrs. these systems are designed to improve the quality of care by providing healthcare providers with evidence-based resources and recommendations tailored to the patient's specific health conditions. this can help in promoting standardized care practices and reducing errors.
however, the 2003 iom patient safety report does not mention emrs as a cost-efficient means of documentation. this omission is notable because, at the time of the report, the evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of emrs was not conclusive. implementing emr systems involves significant upfront costs associated with technology acquisition, training, and system maintenance. while emrs have the potential to reduce some costs over time, such as those associated with paper records and the reduction of medical errors, the initial investment and ongoing operational costs can be substantial.
in summary, the iom patient safety report recognizes the potential of emrs to improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care through enhanced information access, support systems, and streamlined healthcare processes. however, it does not assert that emrs are inherently cost-efficient as a means of documentation. this distinction is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to understand as they consider the implications of emr implementation in terms of both benefits and costs.
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