What is EHR - Electronic Health Record?

An electronic health record (EHR) (also electronic patient record or computerised patient record) is an evolving concept defined as a longitudinal collection of electronic health information about individual patients or populations. It is a record in digital format that is capable of being shared within across different health care settings, by being embedded in network-connected enterprise-wide information system. Such records may included a whole range of data in comprehensive or summary form, including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, and billing information.
It is important to note that an EHR is generated and maintained within an institution, such as a hospital, integrated delivery network, clinic, or physician office.

Its purpose can be understood as a complete record patient encounters that allows to automate and streamline workflow in health care settings and to increase safety through evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.

Standards


ANSI X12 (EDI) - transaction protocols used for transmitting patient data. Popular in the United States for transmission of billing data.
CEN's TC/251 provides EHR standards in Europe including:
EN 13606, communication standards for EHR information
CONTSYS (EN 13940), supports continuity of care record standardization.
HISA (EN 12967), a services standard for inter-system communication in a clinical information environment.
Continuity of Care Record - ASTM International Continuity of Care Record standard
DICOM - an international communications protocol standard for representing and transmitting radiology (and other) image-based data, sponsored by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)
HL7 - a standardized messaging and text communications protocol between hospital and physician record systems, and between practice management systems
ISO - ISO TC 215 provides international technical specifications for EHRs. ISO 18308 describes EHR architectures