Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) provide health care teams with a more complete picture of their patients' health and can improve communication among members of the care team, as well as between them and their patients. According to a pan-Canadian study, electronic medical records can:
- Enhance efficiencies in community-based practices and allow staff to focus on patient care
- Reduce the number of duplicate tests that are ordered, resulting in health care system efficiencies
- Improve patient safety by reducing adverse drug events
- Support improved interactions and communications among care team members and between providers and patients
- Improve health outcomes when used for preventive care and chronic disease management