Whether EMRs are Ethical
The field of health has experienced remarkable inventions in the 21st century that have seen the birth of computerized patient data recording management system by using Electrical Medical Records (EMRs). Unfortunately, as the author loathes the intervention, it has grossly eroded the relationship between the doctor, patients and the physicians. Worse, with the increasing mechanization that is continuously embraced by hospital management in the wake to ease work, there is a ripple effect on job loss as the machines are taking up the roles of the physicians. Moreover, the feasibility of the increased computerization of patients’ data collection system is questionable, whether it can hold the four guiding principles of ethics in treatment (American Council on Science and Health, 2018).
Using the ethics principles as the mirror, it is crystal clear that these new developments breached respect for autonomy. The introduction of the EMRs neither sought the indulgence of the patients nor that of the physicians. Moreover, the possible risks that consumers could face were not discussed with them. Secondly, it was an unjust endeavour as physicians were punished by losing their jobs on grounds they never anticipated when pursuing such courses- that their role shall be faced out by technology. Thirdly, the computerized patient data collection system just like any other computerized technology that has occurred before is rigid with limited automated flexibility. Therefore, the system can elicit beneficence act to a patient when it is due to save a life (American Council on Science and Health). The computers show no compassion, and thus, its integration in medical system throws the ethics issue into a worse condition. Lastly, the mechanization falls short of the ability to meet the principle of non-maleficence. They are not able to assess the risks and benefits of an intervention at the best interest of the patients, and actually, they are programmed with limited alternative responses that may limit service delivery thereby infringing the rights of the patient (American Council on Science and Health,2018).
Consequently, the EMRs may have been up-and-coming developments in the hospitals. However, a close review of its effects demonstrates that it is a necessary evil in our hospitals, as their demerits are a handful and also it is eroding the relationship between the doctor and the patients. Moreover, physicians are on the receiving end, continuously losing their job as service to the patients continue to deteriorate at the expense of minimizing costs. EMRs integration should be regulated by the government and medical bodies to strike a workable balance.
Reference
American Council on Science and Health. (2018, April 18). Are electronic medical records ethical? https://www.acsh.org/news/2018/04/17/are-electronic-medical-records-ethical-12848