The Benefits Of Electronic Health Records When Working In Behavioral Health
Treatment for mental health conditions often involves trial and error with medications. With the use of electronic health records, it is easier for all providers to have immediate access to medications prescribed. This reduces the amount of medication mistakes that can occur when trying to treat complex behavioral health problems.
Anti-Psychotic Medications Need Careful Monitoring
Specifically in the case of patients that require the use of anti-psychotic medications, electronic health records are essential. Medications such as risperdal, clozaril, and abililfy can cause rapid weight gain, blood sugar fluctuations, and even cause the problems they are trying to treat. With up to date information provided in an electronic health record, a patient that goes in for emergency treatment will have a better chance at an accurate diagnosis. If the patient is unable to provide any medical history, the electronic health record will be invaluable to the treating physician.
Behavioral Health Patients are Not Always Accurate Reporters
When you encounter a patient having a psychiatric emergency, they aren't necessarily going to be an accurate reporter. Having information readily available allows providers to assess the situation with a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. When a patient presents with suicidal ideation, or a paranoid thought process, it's important to know if this is the first time, or there have been multiple visits for the same problem. While each episode will be treated, knowing what has already been tried for the patient will help providers try a different approach.
Collaboration Among Providers is the Key to Successful Behavior Health Treatment
Behavioral health treatment generally requires a multi-disciplinary approach. From therapists, to psychologists and psychiatrists, all treatment providers should have access to an electronic health record in order to provide collaborative treatment for the patient. When there is a team approach to behavioral health treatment, the patient has a better chance at a higher quality of life.
Electronic health records are becoming the standard for all health records as access to technology continues to improve. With the use of electronic health records, the use of paper is reduced, and health records can be accessed without having to copy the record by hand. It's vital, in today's world, to stay on top of technology and offer patients the best treatment possible. Using a record system that allows instant information, provides medication information and gives providers a clear picture as to the history of treatment is the best way to keep patients at optimal health.
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