Managing Acute Diseases: 5 Challenges and Solutions in EHR and FHIR Implementation

With the ongoing digitization of the healthcare industry, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) have become indispensable for managing acute diseases. EHRs enable real-time access to a patient's medical record by healthcare providers, while FHIR facilitates the exchange of healthcare information across different systems.

This article explores the ways in which EHRs and FHIR can aid in the management of acute diseases, and the advantages they offer.

An acute disease refers to a medical condition that usually manifests quickly and lasts for a brief period. Such illnesses are marked by an abrupt onset of symptoms that can be severe and require immediate medical intervention. Some examples of acute diseases are influenza, pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, and appendicitis.

Causes of Acute Diseases

Acute diseases can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, physical trauma, and exposure to toxins or chemicals. Symptoms of acute diseases vary depending on the specific condition and can include fever, pain, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.

Acute Diseases vs Chronic Conditions

Acute diseases have a sudden onset, short duration, and rapid progression, with treatment focusing on relieving symptoms, controlling the underlying infection or injury, and promoting healing. Chronic conditions are long-term health conditions that persist for more than three months, often developing gradually and progressing slowly. These conditions are typically not curable but can be managed through ongoing medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and symptom control.

The Role of EHR in Managing Acute Diseases

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of a patient's medical record that allow for real-time access to patient information by healthcare providers. EHRs can help manage acute diseases by providing providers with quick access to a patient's medical history, medications, and test results.

The Role of FHIR in Managing Acute Diseases

Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) is a standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically. FHIR can help manage acute diseases by facilitating communication between different healthcare systems, making it easier for providers to share information and coordinate care. It can also help automate certain processes, such as medication reconciliation and lab result notification, improving the efficiency of care delivery.

Advantages of EHRs in Managing Acute Diseases

EHRs provide healthcare providers with critical information for making a diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment for an acute condition. They also make it easier for providers to monitor a patient's progress throughout the course of their treatment, documenting findings, tracking vital signs, and monitoring the response to treatment. This information can be shared with other providers involved in the patient's care, ensuring everyone is up-to-date on the patient's condition.

The use of FHIR in managing acute diseases offers several advantages. FHIR's standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically enables different healthcare systems to communicate seamlessly, thereby making critical patient information readily available to healthcare providers. In acute diseases, where time is of the essence, FHIR enables providers to access test results or medication lists from other healthcare systems quickly, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.

FHIR also automates certain processes, such as medication reconciliation and lab result notification, reducing the risk of medication errors and enabling timely follow-up and treatment. For instance, when a patient is admitted to a hospital for an acute condition, FHIR can automatically reconcile their medication list with their EHR, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that the patient receives the correct medications and dosages. Similarly, FHIR can notify providers when a patient's lab results are available, enabling them to follow up more promptly and provide timely treatment.