Final answer:
Healthcare staff face challenges such as a steep learning curve, interoperability issues, and concerns over data privacy when transitioning to electronic healthcare record systems, which were mandated by the ACA to reduce costs and administrative burdens in healthcare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Healthcare staff may encounter several challenges and issues when transitioning to and using electronic healthcare record systems (EHRs). Among these are:
- Learning Curve and Technological Adaptation: Staff need to adapt to new workflows and learn how to use the EHR system, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for those not comfortable with technology.
- Interoperability: The ability of EHR systems to share information with other systems is critical. Challenges arise when different healthcare providers use systems that are not fully compatible.
- Data Privacy and Security: Protecting patient data from unauthorized access is a major concern, and healthcare staff need to be trained on how to maintain the privacy and security of health records.
Developing policies must address questions such as:
- How can we balance the costs of treatments and diagnoses while maintaining patient quality of life?
- What measures are necessary to minimize risks to individual privacy?
- How can electronic sharing of records be managed to improve healthcare quality without compromising privacy?
The introduction of EHRs, mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is intended to reduce administrative costs and control increases in healthcare spending. However, this shift has introduced its own set of complexities including work overload for medical staff in adapting to and maintaining these systems.