How EHR helps the VA monitor life-threatening psychological issues

EHR software can help America's Veterans.

EHR software can help America's Veterans.

In addition to cutting down on administrative work and allowing physicians to spend more time with their patients, embracing EHR also has the potential to save lives. Medical professionals can gain access to extensive clinical notes immediately with these digital documents, ensuring that they can identify concerning trends and make informed decisions about patient care. 

According to a recent press release from the U.S. Department Veterans Affairs (VA), the amount of data that is accessible through EHR may help VA professionals better monitor veterans who could pose a risk to themselves. Many people experience substantial psychological trauma after serving in the armed forces, and one of the VA's primary roles is to provide the medical and emotional support these individuals need as they acclimate themselves to civilian life. 

"The electronic medical record system stores a very large body of clinical notes. We've shown that we can use search engine technology to more easily identify those Veterans who have attempted suicide at some point in their lives,"  said Dr. Ken Hammond of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

Unearthing this information can indicate whether certain individuals require more monitorization or targeted care, and protect the most at-risk individuals in the system from being lost in the fold.

As this application shows, the instant accessibility allowed by EHR software can prove invaluable in effective patient care. In the context chiropractic EHR, being able to review past treatments and clinical notes could offset increasing rates of back pain mismanagement and help provide relief for the millions of Americans who experience prolonged pain in this area. By introducing intuitive chiropractic EHR software to your practice, you can remain abreast of pertinent history regarding your patients, while contributing edifying feedback that will ensure more effective care later on. 

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