A systematic collection of electronic health information about individual patients or populations. It is a record in digital format capable of being shared across different health care settings, by being embedded in network-connected enterprise-wide information systems. These records can include a whole range of data in comprehensive or summary form, such as demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, and billing information.
Its purpose provides a complete record of patient encounters that allows the automation and streamlining of the workflow in health care settings and increases safety through evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.