Electronic Health Records And Their Impact On Social Determinants Of Health Care

Healthcare systems worldwide are utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to manage patient information, streamline data storage, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making. EHRs have transformed healthcare delivery by enabling seamless coordination across clinics, hospitals, and specialties. However, healthcare disparities persist due to socioeconomic factors, geographic location, and cultural nuances. This paper explores how EHRs can promote health equity by transcending mere data storage. By examining their impact on social determinants of health (SDOH) and exploring innovative strategies, the paper argues that thoughtful EHR design and strategic implementation can bridge gaps, empower underserved populations, and lead to a more equitable

EHRs enable easy sharing of patient data, medical histories, test results, and treatment plans, supporting coordinated care. Patients can also have direct communication with clinicians through encrypted messaging platforms, allowing them to share concerns, ask questions, and request additional information. Telehealth integration with EHRs bridges geographic gaps and ensures timely access to care, paving the way for virtual visits. EHRs empower patients by providing access to their medical records, encouraging active participation in their care, and encouraging informed decisions. Patient engagement is essential for effective healthcare delivery, as it encourages educated decisions, adherence to treatment plans, and eradication of disparities. EHRs help clinicians better target individual needs and reduce disparities, ultimately serving as conduits for information between medical professionals and

Collaboration and innovation are highly valued, and by doing so, we can build a healthcare system that is more inclusive and better serves a variety of demographics. The use of focused treatments and data-driven decision-making can successfully mitigate inequities in healthcare outcomes and access. Healthcare delivery that is more efficient and equitable for all can result from putting policies in place that encourage the use of technological solutions and health equity