Course Overview: Electronic Health Record (EHR)

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) course provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts, functionality, and practical applications of digital health information systems. Designed for students and healthcare professionals, this course explores how EHRs are used to capture, store, manage, and share patient health information in a secure, efficient, and interoperable manner.

Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating EHR platforms, understanding data standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leveraging digital health records to improve clinical workflows and patient care outcomes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the role of EHR systems in modern healthcare delivery.

• Identify and navigate core EHR functionalities such as patient registration, charting, order entry, and results management.

• Apply standards for data exchange and interoperability (e.g., HL7, FHIR, ICD-10, SNOMED CT).

• Ensure compliance with privacy, confidentiality, and security regulations such as HIPAA.

• Demonstrate the use of EHRs to support clinical decision-making, quality improvement, and patient engagement.

• Evaluate challenges, benefits, and emerging trends in EHR adoption and implementation.

Key Topics Covered

• Introduction to EHR Systems – History, purpose, and evolution from paper records to digital platforms.

• Core Components and Functions – Clinical documentation, computerized provider order entry (CPOE), e-prescribing, laboratory and imaging integration.

• Standards and Interoperability – HL7, FHIR, terminologies, and health information exchange (HIE).

• Legal and Ethical Considerations – Privacy, confidentiality, HIPAA compliance, and data security.

• Clinical Decision Support (CDS) – Alerts, reminders, and evidence-based care tools.

• Patient Engagement Tools – Portals, mobile apps, and telehealth integration.

• EHR Implementation and Adoption – Challenges, change management, and usability issues.

• Future of EHRs – AI integration, big data analytics, and population health management.

Teaching Methods

• Interactive lectures and case studies

• Demonstrations using EHR software simulations

• Practical exercises with mock patient records

• Group discussions on ethical and regulatory case scenarios

• Research projects on EHR innovations and challenges

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, medical assistants)

• Health informatics students and IT specialists in healthcare

• Administrators and managers seeking to understand EHR systems

• Anyone interested in the role of digital records in improving healthcare delivery

✅ By completing this course, learners will be equipped with both the technical competence and critical understanding needed to effectively work with Electronic Health Records, support clinical efficiency, and contribute to improved patient outcomes.