New Trends in Unit Clerk Roles: How EHR and Technology Are Transforming Healthcare Administration

As the healthcare industry evolves rapidly, Unit Clerks have also experienced different responsibilities. Unit Clerks perform various administrative functions including paperwork, medical facilities, managing appointments, and communicating with other staff members. Nowadays, technological advancements such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), are transforming how Unit Clerks work. Due to these changes, they are becoming more efficient and indispensable than ever. 

The Rise of Electronic Health Records (EHR) for Unit Clerks

Electronic Health Records (EHR) have become an important tool for Unit Clerks. These digital systems are designed to collect and store patient information electronically, hence replacing traditional paper records. They provide Unit Clerks with easy access to updated information about patient demographics, medical history, medications, test results, etc. This facilitates smoother communication among healthcare professionals and enables faster decision-making, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. 

Benefits of EHR Over Traditional Paper Records

Efficiency:

EHR systems automate time-consuming tasks associated with paper records, such as filing, searching for documents, and updating patient information. This efficiency allows Unit Clerks to focus more on patient interaction and less on administrative burdens. 

Accuracy and Legibility:

Digital records reduce the risk of human errors, such as misreading handwriting or misfiling documents. Accurate and legible information helps healthcare professionals make more informed decisions, contributing to improved patient safety.  

Accessibility:

EHR systems enable Unit Clerks to access patient information instantly, regardless of location. This helps to easily access the information for emergency reasons.  

Collaboration:

EHR allows for better communication between Unit Clerks and healthcare providers, fostering a collaborative environment. Shared digital records ensure that all healthcare team members are aligned, and this facilitates coordinated care. 

Data Security:

Paper records are prone to physical damage or loss. EHR systems include robust security measures like encryption, password protection, and audit trails, which help safeguard sensitive patient information. 

Types of Software Used by Unit Clerks

Microsoft Office:

Unit Clerks use MS Office for daily administrative and office tasks and documenting records. They use Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for billing, scheduling appointments, etc. 

Electronic Health Records (EHR):

This system helps to decrease the probability of human error by digitizing information such as MEDITECH Expanse.  

Booking Portals:

Unit Clerks also use online booking portals to book appointments, ambulances, and other medical services.  Specialty Software: Unit Clerks are required to perform some specific tasks sometimes, which need specialty software such as iinsight and PowerChart. 

Popular EHR Software Currently in Use

• NextGen Healthcare: NextGen Healthcare is an industry leader in EHR systems, designed to streamline healthcare workflows and improve the patient experience. With its robust features, NextGen has become a preferred choice for Unit Clerks and healthcare providers.  

• Cerner: A leader in healthcare technology, Cerner offers solutions for a wide range of medical facilities. For Unit Clerks, Cerner provides tools to manage patient information efficiently, track patient visits, and handle scheduling with ease. The system's interoperability with other hospital systems ensures seamless communication and data sharing among healthcare staff. 

• MEDITECH Expanse: MEDITECH Expanse is favoured by many smaller hospitals and clinics due to its affordability and functionality. It enables Unit Clerks to streamline appointment scheduling, keep accurate records, and generate reports. Its simplified interface is designed to reduce training time, making it a practical choice for facilities transitioning from paper to digital records. 

• Veradigm: It offers a cloud-based EHR solution that supports the needs of Unit Clerks, particularly in outpatient settings. The software focuses on increasing efficiency by minimizing manual data entry and providing access to patient records from any location. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for clerks managing multiple facilities or working in community healthcare settings.
  

Adapting to EHR: Enhancing Skills and Collaboration

With the ongoing changes in healthcare systems, it’s crucial for Unit Clerks to adapt to EHR software. While electronic health record systems and updated workflows may shift some responsibilities—such as order transcribing—EHRs help save time and allow Unit Clerks to focus on higher-priority tasks. These trends in digital health record management are designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient safety in the long term. There are also opportunities for further education to develop the skills necessary to work effectively with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members, enhancing collaboration and streamlining operations. 

For more information into the evolving role of Unit Clerks, check out Fraser Health’s articles on the essential contributions of these healthcare professionals: ‘Nurses embrace the opportunity to learn’ and ‘Unit clerks uphold the standard of excellence patients deserve’.