As technology improves, the debate over whether to store medical records on paper or electronically grows. The issue is up for debate on a number of fronts, as both paper and electronic records offer strengths and weaknesses. As medical facilities typically have years, if not decades, of paper records already, it can be an expensive proposition to try to change from paper to electronic medical records.
Storage of medical records is an area in which electronic medical records seem to have the edge. Hospitals and medical providers often have warehouses literally filled with paper records. Besides taking up space, paper records are not eco-friendly. Electronic records can be stored on computer drives that require much less space and fewer resources to produce. Paper records also naturally deteriorate over time in storage, regardless of how well their environment is controlled, and they tend to decay upon excessive handling. Computer records can in theory be stored and accessed forever, without the deterioration of record quality.
While doctors may have a reputation for poor penmanship, few people in any profession can write as clearly as a computer word processor can. Paper medical records can be difficult to decipher, particularly for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. One of the clear benefits of electronic records is that typeface is more or less standardized and clear across all records. This clarity saves time for the reader, and time can be critical in medical treatment. However, doctors or their assistants who are unfamiliar with the best practices of word processing technology may find it time-consuming to enter records electronically.
One of the main benefits of electronic medical records is that they can be shared with other professionals almost instantaneously via electronic transmission or direct access to a storage system. For paper records to reach other interested parties, they must either be mailed or converted to electronic format, such as via scanning and emailing, before they can be accessed.
Both paper and electronic record storage systems have some security vulnerabilities. Electronic records are susceptible to hackers and other unauthorized individuals who can gain access by breaking down the electronic defenses of a storage system. Electronic records can also be rendered inaccessible due to system crashes or other electronic malfunctions. Paper records are generally safe unless someone physically breaks into a storage unit. Both types of records can be susceptible to natural disasters such as fires and floods; however, a facility will typically have only one copy of a paper record, versus at least one backup copy of an electronic record.
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Paper vs. Computer -- Feasibility of an Electronic Medical Record in General Pediatrics; Jolt Roukema, M.D., et. al.; January 2006
- The Columbia Science and Technology Law Review; Despite Risks, Electronic Medical Records Will Likely Soon Replace Paper-Based Records; Imola Esche; March 2011
- Open Clinical: Electronic Medical Records
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