EHR systems are much more than simply electronic versions of paper charts. They offer many new functions that experts say can lead to major gains in patient safety when used properly.

Karen Bell, the chair of the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) recently wrote on the organization's blog, EHR Decisions, that EHRs can benefit patient safety in three ways. First, they improve communication between the patient and physician, making it easier to provide specific care instructions.

Second, EHRs increase documentation. This makes lab results and other patient information more readily available and provides a record of physicians' decision-making processes.

Finally, the technology improves treatment, as physicians are provided alerts to potential problems and can see when a patient did not complete a lab test or fill their prescription.

Bell pointed to a recent study, which indicated that a majority of medical malpractice claims are related to poor communication, incomplete documentation or diagnosis and treatment problems. It may be possible for physicians to reduce their risk of running into these types of issues by implementing an EHR system.