Project CARE
Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMR?

EMR is an acronym for Electronic Medical Record. It is a patient medical record, generated and managed via a secure computer network in a hospital. YRMC's EMR – known as Project CARE – replaces paper charting and traditional file storage. Through this technology we are able to consolidate our patients' medical records and streamline our patient care process, allowing us to be more efficient and accurate with our patient information. In addition, the information is more secure.

Why has YRMC designed and implemented an EMR?

Simply put, it's about patient care. Providing our patients with advanced healthcare will always be our primary motivation.

• An EMR makes it easier for patients to receive care at YRMC. For example, you won't have to answer the same questions over and over again. And we can reduce the need for duplicate testing due to results that are missing or incomplete.
  
  
• An EMR allows multiple caregivers to look at a patient's medical chart – from physician orders to vital signs, x-rays and test results – at the same time, from different locations. Particularly in emergency situations, time saved can be very important.
  
  
• It helps caregivers check for drug-to-drug and drug-to-allergy interactions. As soon as your medications are updated on your digital chart, drug interaction and allergy information is updated automatically.
  
  
• No more handwriting to decipher! Let's face it. We've all been there. Trying to get a prescription filled or trying to read care instructions and you can't decipher the handwriting. This is no longer the case with an EMR for YRMC patients.
  
  
• Accuracy is increased on all levels. From prescriptions that are sent to our pharmacy, to orders for tests and other procedures, to post-op instructions and special dietary restrictions – information is transmitted faster and more clearly than ever before.
  
  
• Caregivers have more time to spend with their patients. Good patient care is delivered by caregivers who have the time to spend with their patients. Our EMR allows our caregivers to be more efficient with their time and thus, have more time for their patients.
  
  

How will my relationship with my caregiver change?

Your relationship with your caregivers will not change. You will continue to visit with your care team at YRMC in the same way you always have. Your healthcare continues to be, first and foremost, a one-to-one, person-to-person experience. Nothing will replace that! You will now have the added assurance that your medical records are always up-to-date and right where we need them, when we need them.

What will my care experience look like?

As your caregivers talk with you about your care, you will notice that they will enter your information into a computer workstation rather than writing it down on a piece of paper. The workstations will vary depending on the unit. In some rooms, you will notice a computer monitor and keyboard on a wall mount. Some units will use portable work stations mounted on wheels. The functionality might be a little different but the purpose is the same – to replace the paper chart.

Rather than leafing through a chart, the staff may look at a computer monitor to gather the necessary information for your care. It's important to keep in mind that the caregiver is not ignoring you. They are simply looking at your medical record, just like they would do with a paper chart. If at any time you would like to know what they are doing, just ask!

What about the security of my medical information?

An Electronic Medical Record is safer than a paper chart. As the physician, nurse or other staff member enters information into the workstation in your room, it is immediately transmitted to a highly secure YRMC data center. No information is stored on the computers in the patient rooms.

Only caregivers who need to know your health information will have access to it. Those who access your records throughout the hospital have to log-in and out and will only have access to the information they need to care for you. And because the transaction is digital, caregiver access can be tracked.

Patients are still protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Also known as HIPAA, this act protects the patient's right to privacy. It doesn't matter if the records are paper or digital, patient medical records are confidential. Period.