Digital data capture for electronic patient record systems.

The importance of digital data capture in optimizing the benefit and cost savings provided by an EPRS has been shown. Data will come from several sources including ADT systems, laboratory computer systems, and transcription computers, and the data will need to be stored in the electronic patient record. The HL7 standard provides a common language for new systems to exchange data. For older systems, an interface engine or toolkit may be necessary to transfer the data from another hospital system to the EPRS. In any case, capturing and storing digital data will greatly enhance the usability of an EPRS.