Paper and electronic health records can both lead to medical errors, but EHR errors can be unique. EHR errors sometimes occur because of the technology, not in spite of it.
Too Much Information–When it comes to healthcare, more information is usually better. However, when doctors have access to seemingly unlimited information about their patient, they may overlook important details.
Software Calling the Shots– EHR software might offer recommendations and warnings. For example, a physician’s software may recommend for or against certain medications based on a patient’s profile. The doctor may accept or decline these recommendations. The problem is that these recommendations do not always align with the best or most up-to-date practices.