Original Articles
Evaluating the potential of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient flow and continuity of care: A three-month baseline study at a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur | |
Dr. Rahul Nayyar, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. SS Jaiswal, Dr. Tanvi Mahajan | |
Background: Although Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have been shown to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient outcomes in many settings, hospitals that still rely on paper-based systems may experience fragmented documentation and communication challenges. In a 1450-bed super-specialty hospital in Jaipur that currently does not use an EHR system, we conducted a baseline assessment to understand existing patient flow and continuity of care processes. This study explored how adopting an EHR might improve wait times, bed turnover, and care coordination in the future. Methods: A prospective, observational study was undertaken at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, from August to October 2024. Three high-volume departments—Emergency, Internal Medicine, and Orthopedics—were selected for detailed baseline measurements. Quantitative data on average wait times, bed turnover rates, and length of stay (LOS) were collected through existing paper-based and manual documentation processes. Qualitative feedback from clinicians and patients was gathered via structured interviews and surveys to gauge current pain points and the perceived potential benefits of a future EHR implementation. Results: Baseline data showed inefficiencies in patient throughput, prolonged wait times, and communication gaps among care teams. Patients and staff identified several areas where a centralized electronic system could potentially streamline workflows, reduce duplicative tasks, and enhance the overall patient experience. While most participants anticipated that an EHR could lead to improvements, concerns regarding training, costs, and change management were also prominent. Conclusion: The findings suggest that introducing an EHR has the potential to improve patient flow and care coordination in a high-volume tertiary care hospital. However, successful adoption will require robust stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training, and careful planning to overcome anticipated barriers. Future research should quantify the actual impact of EHR implementation once deployed and consider long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness. |
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