PAPERLESS DENTAL HEALTH RECORD

B.SHARMILAA

FINAL YEAR TAGORE DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

“We’ve got 21st century medical practices, but 19th century paperwork system”

“We need to reduce costs and medical errors with better information technology” -President George W. Bush

Why paperless records???Saves trees

Saves money

Saves time

Saves dentist from legal issues

Saves room from dumping

How paperless records???Electronic dental record softwaresA computerInternet connectionDigital signature equipment

Other devices like PrinterScannerHard disk CD

Carry this

Or this

What is in electronic dental record?

EDR refers to systematized collection of patient information and documentation kept on dental health.

Otherwise a “computer based dental record”Electronically stored health information in digital format.Data base of patient information entered by any oral health care provider.

What does EDR include???Demographic data, medical & dental history, extra oral evaluation, intra oral charting, clinical notes, lab investigation report, histologic notes, immunization status, medication & allergies, diagnosis, treatment plans, prescription writing.

Digital imaging – radiographs, intra-oral clinical photographs.Appointment scheduling, consent form, insurance form, billing, payment, digital signatures.

Benefits of EDR Secure storage of patient records.

All details are present in single window.

No missing originals.

Transmit or receive patient details, images, radiographic photographs to facilitate consultations.

Receive laboratory test reports.

Improve safety and accuracy of patient care by timely sharing critical medical and dental information between dentists and physicians treating same patient.

Photo, video and audio files can be attached.

Useful in times when patient comes unscheduled. Send appointment reminders to patient.

Cut down on waiting time.

Data analysis, image processing, clinical decision support, online instructions.

Better health care by improving efficiency, communication, timeliness, patient centered, and equity.

Eliminate bulky folders of records, storage space freed up to make way for consultation rooms.

Explain condition and treatment plan to patient via visual aid.

Decrease in prescription malpractice risk.

Manage clinic from anywhere.

Offline data access.

Automatic storage of files to cloud.

Can be retrieved from anywhere @ any time.

Quick bills and prescriptions.

Useful in times of legal issues.

Doesn’t wet, burn, crack or get destroyed like papers.

If paper records…..Cannot be saved from natural disasters.

More money spent for buying papers, files and furniture for keeping records safe in place.Missing files cannot be retrieved. Searching is difficult. Cannot afford numerous copies.Environmentally not sound.

Storage capacityIn paper records……

In Electronic Dental Records….• Patient records are can be stored in various modes-Hard disk, CD,

etc.• CLOUD STORAGE: Best enables storing infinite number of files in a

safe and secured manner via internet. Can be retrieved whenever required.

• Eliminates damage, theft and illegal access to files.

To Implement Electronic Dental RecordADA specification no. 1000 & 1004Leading commercial Dental softwares are

Dentrix Patterson Eaglesoft Easy dental Soft Dent Practice works Practo Carestream Dental Axium Xldent Oracle

Indian dental softwares

Curve dentalAvengersoftDentsoftwareSaral dental softwareSmart dentist

Steps Software installation with help of IT department.

Pre-installation requirements: training, integration of pre existing data such as digital radiography, etc.

Professional IT support for installation, hardware, network, upgrades, repair and maintenance.

Training is the most important.

Computer operator

Need an assistant or a person who can access computer system for typing and maintaining the records.

Protection and securityOnly authorized personnel or the dentist can access the records. No other members can view or edit the files.Secured password protection for every transfer and copying. Patients have right to access their records under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).

Prescriptions

Determine medicines for patient

Create prescription in prescription writing

column

Check for drug allergy, drug interactions

and drug disease

interactions

Prescription sent wirelessly and electronically.

Drawbacks of electronic dental records:

Internet connection: Cloud EDR require an internet connection for working. Loss of connectivity can cause disruptions to practice workflow. But its easy to handle since EDR can be accessed from any device which has data connection.

Adoption: Takes time to transform, train and adopt to digital records.

Technology adoption among dental practices tripled in less than a decade (among U.S. dentists)

25% use chair side

computing.1.8% are paperless

‘04-’05

55% use chair side

computing.1.8% are paperless

’06-’07

75% use chair side

computing.15% are

paperless.

2012

References:

Larrymmott -The future in dentistry is digital and a paperless records dental office.Farren Hurwitz -Electronic dental record, health choice network, Inc.Dental records, DDU guide.Electronic dental records, Installation and Implementation Guide, September 2013, IT, Information resource management, New Mexico.

Increased adoption of information technology will speed the transformation of health care services in this nation.

Be an influence of change or a victim of change.