Anxious about electronic health records? No need to be

Abstract

Every day the takeover of paper records by electronic versions seems more inevitable. Many of us who have used the paper version, despite its limitations, are anxious about new technology with its different challenges. In this paper we discuss aspects of both types of record and identify some of their weaknesses and strengths. Whilst there is little science to support one version over the other, the health industry is undoubtedly moving to adopt an electronic record. In writing this paper we aim to reassure clinicians that the electronic record is, on balance, likely to enhance the quality of their professional practice.