How can EHR help data quality?
One of the shortcomings of the current RPMS system is that most clinical data only get into the system after being abstracted and manually entered, sometimes weeks after an encounter takes place. In addition, there are so many expectations of providers in terms of types of data to document, and many different forms on which to document them. EHR does not necessarily reduce the data requirements, but provides a system in which required data elements are more obvious and easier to document. Since providers will be directly responsible for most data entry, and will be able to immediately see and use the data they enter (such as problem lists), it is expected that the sense of ownership that this produces will lead to better and more complete data.
