7 Key Benefits of Electronic Health Records in Pharmacy Practice
- SARMLife
- Nov 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Summary: This blog examines the distinctions between electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs), outlines the data captured, and illustrates how the use of EHRs by population health pharmacists facilitates pharmacist-led interventions.
Why EHRs Matter in Population Health Pharmacy
Historically, pharmacists relied heavily on paper-based systems to manage patient records, prescriptions, and other vital information.
However, as technology advances, electronic health records in pharmacy practice are transforming daily workflows. It’s time to leave behind the days of sorting paper charts, deciphering handwriting, and risking lost information.
EHRs streamline pharmacy workflows, improve patient care, and enhance efficiency. By digitizing patient data, EHRs provide a comprehensive and up-to-date view of a patient’s medical history, medication list, allergies, and other relevant information.
This blog examines the distinctions between electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs), outlines the data captured, and illustrates how the use of EHRs by population health pharmacists facilitates pharmacist-led interventions.
By understanding these advantages, pharmacists gain insight into how EHRs can optimize practice and elevate patient outcomes.
Understanding Electronic Health Records in Pharmacy
Electronic health records (EHRs) in pharmacy practice are digital systems that document and track a patient’s care over time. These platforms support clinical decision support, pharmacy EHR tools, and modern documentation workflows.
They include demographics, medications, laboratory results, imaging studies, vital signs, and progress notes from the care team. Since EHRs are shareable across healthcare settings, they enhance communication, reduce medical errors, and support the delivery of quality care.
For the population health pharmacist, EHRs enable proactive identification of care gaps, facilitating their role in value-based pharmacy care and public health initiatives.
EHR vs. EMR: What Pharmacists Need to Know
Pharmacists may hear EHR and EMR used interchangeably, but understanding the distinction is vital for compliant pharmacy practice and system integration.
Use this comparison table to clarify how electronic health records in pharmacy practice differ from limited-use EMRs. For population health pharmacists, EHRs provide the longitudinal data needed to lead cross-provider interventions and improve outcomes at scale.
Features | EHR (Electronic Health Record) | EMR (Electronic Medical Record) |
Definition | A digital record of a patient’s entire health information | A digital version of a paper chart |
Patient Record | Patient’s medical records can be transferred when they move | Patient records are not easily transferable outside of the practice |
Sharing | Can be shared with other medical professionals and departments | Not designed to be shared outside of the provider and practice |
Provider Use | Access to all medical tools and information needed for decision-making | Mainly used by providers for diagnosis and treatment |
Case Study: EHR-Guided Diabetes Management in Pharmacy
This real-world example demonstrates how EHR data and pharmacy insights improve outcomes.
A population health pharmacist managing a Medicaid cohort reviews electronic health records to identify patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. By analyzing A1c values, prescription history, and clinic notes, the pharmacist identifies candidates for therapy escalation.
Collaborating with each patient's provider, the pharmacist recommends a GLP-1 receptor agonist for eligible patients. This EHR-informed population health intervention exemplifies value-based care and improves long-term outcomes.
What Data Do Pharmacists Use in EHRs?
Pharmacist access to EHR data enables precision in patient care. Commonly used EHR elements include:
Demographics
Allergy information
Immunization records
Vital signs
Medical history
Medication history
Progress notes
Diagnosis
These data points support clinical decision-making, enabling pharmacists to provide personalized interventions based on real-time insights.
7 Ways EHRs Strengthen Pharmacy Practice
Here are some significant benefits of electronic health records:
Streamlined Workflow and Productivity.
Electronic health records (EHRs) in pharmacy practice reduce administrative burdens by enabling immediate access to lab data, medication histories, and allergy information. EHRs automate routine tasks, such as prescription refills, documentation, and medication reconciliation, enhancing workflow efficiency and minimizing preventable errors.
Elevated Quality of Care and Decision-Making.
Pharmacy EHRs improve patient outcomes when pharmacists use accurate and comprehensive data to inform therapy decisions. With access to labs, progress notes, and diagnostic results, pharmacists deliver safer and more effective care that is aligned with clinical guidelines and patient-specific needs.
Whole-Person Medication Insights.
EHRs provide a 360-degree view of the patient, enabling pharmacists to assess treatment effectiveness and tailor interventions accordingly. For example, a population health pharmacist may review therapy response data and recommend pharmacogenomics or medication compounding to enhance adherence.
Enhanced Population Health Management.
Using EHRs in population health pharmacy supports targeted interventions based on clinical trends and risk profiles. Pharmacists analyze EHR data to identify high-risk patients, address medication gaps, and design initiatives that reduce disparities and support community-wide outcomes.
Actionable Pharmacy Research Data.
EHR data and pharmacy insights support research on the effectiveness of medications across various populations. With appropriate consent, pharmacists extract demographic and treatment data to evaluate real-world outcomes and contribute to the development of new protocols, therapies, and care models.
Patient Engagement Through Digital Access.
Secure messaging and patient portals within EHR systems provide individuals with access to their health records and medication plans. Pharmacists support shared decision-making by utilizing written tools that enhance health literacy and promote self-care, particularly for digitally literate patients in medically underserved communities.
Centralized, Real-time Data Access.
A centralized EHR platform provides pharmacists with immediate access to accurate patient information, thereby enhancing safety and reducing delays.² In value-based care models, timely access to actionable data is crucial for implementing proactive interventions and tracking outcomes.
Unlocking the Value of EHRs in Pharmacy
The pharmacist’s role in electronic health records is expanding. EHRs enable pharmacists to enhance care delivery, reduce system-level errors, and contribute meaningfully to both clinical and operational decisions.
While adoption requires training, the long-term benefits include streamlined workflows, data-informed decisions, and improved patient engagement. For population health pharmacists, EHRs provide system-level insights that support chronic disease management, optimize medication use, and improve care outcomes.
Investing in EHR training for population health pharmacists ensures readiness to meet evolving care standards and apply digital tools that drive lasting impact.
As EHR systems continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest advancements and best practices allows pharmacists to lead more effectively, improve care quality, and shape the future of pharmacy.
Remember, the future of pharmacy is digital. As a pharmacist, embracing EHRs is more than just about adopting a new technology; it’s about investing in the future of your practice and the well-being of your patients.
References
Bouvé Communications. "7 Key Benefits of EHR Systems." Bouvé College of Health Sciences, 15 May 2023, bouve.northeastern.edu/news/7-key-benefits-of-ehr-systems/. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
Invensis. "7 Key Advantages of Electronic Health Records.” Www.invensis.net, www.invensis.net/blog/advantages-of-electronic-health-records. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
Josh, Dr. "EMR for Pharmacy (Why Your Pharmacy Should Have One)." Smart Clinix, 11 Jan. 2024, smartclinix.net/emr-pharmacy/. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
postDICOM. "10 Advantages and Disadvantages of EHR [EHR vs EMR Differences]." PostDICOM, 2023, www.postdicom.com/en/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-ehr. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
Practice Fusion. "EHR vs. EMR Definition, Benefits & EHR Usage Trends." Practice Fusion, 1 Jan. 2019, www.practicefusion.com/blog/ehr-vs-emr/#EHRvsEMR. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
Vilmate. "EHR Systems: Types, Benefits, and Must-Have Features." Vilmate. Nearshore Software Development Company in Ukraine - VILMATE, 11 Feb. 2021, vilmate.com/blog/ehr-system-development/. Accessed 15 Nov 2024.
Comments