A Scoping Review on the Impacts of Electronic Health Record Systems on Healthcare Delivery

Background: Electronic health record (EHR) systems have evolved significantly since their introduction in the early 1960s, replacing traditional paper-based medical records with computerized storage of patient health information. The adoption of EHR systems has expanded across various healthcare settings due to advancements in technology, necessitating systems that offer diverse functionalities and seamless integration capabilities. As healthcare technology continues to progress, EHR systems must adapt by incorporating additional features such as predictive algorithms and clinical decision support. However, the widespread use of EHR systems has also led to challenges in interoperability, prompting the development of standards. Methodology: This scoping review uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist to systematically search and select relevant literature from PubMed. A research inquiry included full-text studies published in 2023, utilizing keywords "electronic health record system," "quality care," "patient safety," "clinical outcomes," and "hospital." Initial screening involved reviewing abstracts and titles, followed by a full-text review of 5 selected articles. Three articles that met eligibility criteria were synthesized to explore the impact of EHR systems on healthcare delivery. Conclusion: This study draws conclusions based on the evidence synthesized, which highlights the critical role of standardized EHR systems in improving hospital patient outcomes through enhanced safety, care coordination, and data quality. The integration of advanced functionalities like clinical decision support systems, SNOMED CT, and closed-loop electronic medication management systems has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing errors, streamlining workflows, and supporting informed decision-making. Despite these advancements, challenges such as scalability, alert fatigue, and implementation costs persist, requiring ongoing collaboration among stakeholders and continuous research efforts. Future research on harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning to further enhance EHR systems and address remaining barriers can ultimately optimize patient care and safety in hospital setting. Key words: electronic health record, information system, information technology management