Final answer:
The electronic health record was developed to help control healthcare costs and streamline patient care, with policies introduced under the ACA such as a cap on administrative expenses and mandatory switch to EMRs. Privacy and security concerns must be balanced with the need for efficient sharing of medical data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rationale for the development of the electronic health record (EHR) or electronic medical record (EMR) systems was introduced in part to address healthcare costs and improve the quality of care. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), regulations were set to control the increasing costs associated with healthcare. Key aspects include a cap on administrative costs and a mandate for healthcare providers to adopt EMRs.
The adoption of EMRs aims to reduce administrative costs by streamlining the sharing of digital records among health providers. However, the privacy of electronic health records remains a significant concern. In creating policies, it is essential to consider three critical questions:
- How can we ensure the security and confidentiality of patient data in EMR systems?
- What measures will be implemented to balance the costs of treatments and diagnoses with maintaining high patient quality of life?
- How can the risks to individual privacy be mitigated while promoting efficient data sharing?
By addressing these questions, policymakers and healthcare providers can work towards a balanced approach that safeguards patient privacy while also reaping the benefits of technological advancements in healthcare administration.