Pioneer in implementing electronic medical records

Quang Ninh is the leading locality in the country in implementing electronic medical records. This is an important step in the digital transformation of healthcare, towards building smart hospitals and paperless hospitals.

Medical staff of the Provincial General Hospital guide people to use the automatic medical examination kiosk.

By the end of 2024, all 21/21 public health facilities and 1 private facility (Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital) in the province have completed the implementation of electronic medical records. This result helps Quang Ninh complete 1 year ahead of the province's plan and 3 years ahead of the Ministry of Health 's roadmap.

According to the Ministry of Health, electronic medical records are considered the core and starting point for all digital transformation efforts in the healthcare sector. This is a digital version of medical records, recorded, displayed and stored electronically. All information on professional processes, medical orders, medical history, and patient treatment progress are digitized, with standardized, seamless data and a reduced paper-based implementation process. Thanks to this, hospitals have both improved management efficiency and reduced paperwork, creating maximum convenience for patients.

Since 2020, the Provincial General Hospital has been one of the first three medical units in the province as well as the whole country to meet the criteria for applying electronic medical records. With thousands of patients coming for medical examination and treatment every day, the electronic medical record software system has linked all departments and rooms, helping to return results quickly and store information accurately. Thanks to data being continuously updated on the digital system, doctors can make diagnoses and treatment regimens more promptly and effectively.

According to Doctor CKII Nguyen Ba Viet, Director of the Provincial General Hospital, to upgrade the criteria in electronic medical records, the hospital continues to invest in building a synchronous information technology infrastructure system. At the same time, it maintains the stable operation of system software such as: Electronic medical records (EMR), medical records and hospital information management software,FPT .ehospital overall hospital management software (HIS-LIS), medical image archiving and transmission system (PACS). Thereby, it basically meets the requirements for overall hospital management and operation, minimizes errors in data entry, coordinates health insurance payment settlement, and contributes to the transparency of all medical examination and treatment activities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc (Ha Tu ward) shared: “I had a coronary stent placed at the Provincial General Hospital in 2016. Every month, I have a check-up at the hospital. For many years, I have not had to keep any documents, but all medical records and administrative documents have been digitized and stored on the hospital's software system. When I have a check-up, all the information is available, very convenient and quick.”

Patient medical images are stored on the software system at Quang Yen Medical Center.

Since August 2024, the Quang Yen Medical Center has been assessed and evaluated by the Department of Health to meet the standards for applying electronic medical records. This is an important step in bringing digital technology closer to the people. Ms. To Thi Ngan (Ha An ward) said: "Every time I go for a medical examination, I do not need to bring a lot of documents, nor do I have to worry about keeping records. At the same time, the medical examination and treatment process is also quick and convenient for people."

Dr. Tran Minh Phu, Deputy Head of the Examination Department, Quang Yen Medical Center: “Every year, the center has about 11,000 medical records that need to be stored. Previously, managing paper records was very difficult and easy to make mistakes. Now, with electronic medical records, all information is arranged scientifically, without the need to write by hand. When a patient comes for a check-up, they just need to type their name to access their entire treatment history for more accurate and complete advice.”

To achieve the criteria of electronic medical records at a higher level, Quang Yen Medical Center continues to invest in information technology infrastructure in both hardware and software, and at the same time sends staff to participate in digital transformation training courses and training in communication and behavioral skills. The application of electronic medical records in medical examination and treatment not only helps to be open and transparent, especially in financial management, but also improves management and operation efficiency. Combined with the electronic health examination book for the whole population, these systems will shorten waiting time, create convenience and increase satisfaction for patients when coming to the Center for examination.

With a synchronous IT platform and determination from the provincial to grassroots levels, Quang Ninh is forming a smart hospital model, where medical data is scientifically managed, interconnected and serves the people more effectively.

Nguyen Hoa

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/di-dau-trong-trien-khai-benh-an-dien-tu-3376304.html