In today’s society, more and more records are kept in electronic form. This practice extends across a wide variety of areas, including the health care industry. While such records can be much more efficient than the paper version, enabling the quick transfer of information from one medical provider to another, there are times when their use can lead to mistakes as well.

The use electronic records are being promoted for a variety of reasons including patient safety. In addition to patient medical history, information such as test results and prescriptions are easily accessible. One Pennsylvania man believes the use of these records is to actually to blame for his mother’s death, however.

She underwent brain surgery when a blood clot developed and she hemorrhaged. Unfortunately she died shortly thereafter. After her death, her son, a doctor, noticed that a medication the woman needed to control her heartbeat was not included on her electronic medical record. It had been on the record a few days earlier, however. As a result of the woman’s death, the man filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

It is not entirely clear how many medical mistakes are occurring as a result of electronic records. This is in large part due to the fact that the FDA currently does not require that makers of electronic records report errors that occur. The information that is available is only there because it is offered voluntarily.

Digital medical records are not going away. They are an integral part of what is commonly called Obamacare, with bonuses and penalties tied to their use or the failure to use. Accordingly, most would likely agree that it is imperative that steps be taken to make their use as safe as possible.

Source: Business Week, “What Are the Risks as Your Doctor Goes Digital?” Jordan Robertson, June 25, 2013