Informatic nephrology: 17 years of one-center experience.

Abstract

and writing work [5]. Our EHR also has specific predetermined structured forms for recording hemodialysis and peritoneal sessions [5]. DW is a data repository in which the information contained in EMR is available without identification (de-identified data) and thus is adequately protected (privacy) for being used in our nephrology management and scientific research [6]. Regarding MER, this function allows nephrologists not only to have direct access to the written inform of medical tests but also to test images. The integration of this information is made possible by applying international standards and easy communication protocols such as CDA or DICOM [7]. In our institution, patients have a PHR that allows them to access to their health information stored at hospital EHR by Internet in a safe and confidential environment. They are able to observe test informs, to print them, and even to take medical appointments. Besides, patients can obtain information from the hospital Internet page, which consist of guidelines set there by physicians regarding different sorts of health recommendations [8]. This information is offered to the patient according to their problem list, and this is possible through the terminology services that map all the problems into the patient’s problem list with an international standard (SNOMED CT) and some international classification systems (ICD 9, ICD 10, etc.) and then match this problem list with different institutional education resources [8, 9]. Additionally, patients can enter personal data asked by their physicians (blood pressure, etc.) or reports of tests performed in another health centers. Even more, a PHR application, called patient-doctor mail system, offers the patient the possibility of sending a message (e-mail) to the doctor’s hospital electronic address [10]. Editor,