Final answer:
The term for a combination of paper-based and electronic health records is a 'hybrid health record.' This approach is part of the healthcare system's move towards greater efficiency and quality but raises important privacy concerns that policies must address.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a combination of paper-based and electronic health records maintained on the same patient is known as a hybrid health record. Hybrid health records represent a transitional strategy as healthcare systems shift from traditional paper charts to fully electronic health records (EHRs). The sharing of digital records among health providers is seen as a method to improve the quality and efficiency of health care in the U.S., while also bringing forth concerns regarding the privacy of electronic health records.
In developing policies that balance the costs of treatments and diagnoses, patient quality of life, and risks to individual privacy, three key questions must be addressed:
- How can patient data be securely shared between providers to ensure high-quality care without compromising privacy?
- What are the protocols for breach notification and remediation in case of unauthorized access to electronic health records?
- To what extent should patients have control over their own medical information within these records?
The evolution of healthcare to include strategies like telemedicine, the use of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of new healthcare professionals and offices are part of the movement towards a more standardized and efficient healthcare delivery system. However, as healthcare consolidates and technology advances, the implications for patient privacy and the structure of healthcare services continually evolve.