Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry, streamlining processes, improving patient care, and enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics. This article explores the critical role EHRs play in diagnostics, with a specific focus on examples from SYNLAB Nigeria, a leading medical diagnostics company.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients’ paper charts. They contain comprehensive and real-time records of patients’ medical histories, including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information across various healthcare settings, ensuring that doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The implementation of EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria has provided significant benefits to their customers, enhancing their overall healthcare experience. As part of efforts in promoting excellent patient care and in line with SYNLAB’s mission of providing actionable diagnostic information for a healthier life, let’s explore some applications of EHRs in the field of medical diagnostics.

1. EHRs ensure that patient data is accurately recorded and easily accessible. This reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and ensures that patient information is readily available to healthcare providers at any time, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses. This means that customers receive their test results quickly and accurately. With all patient data digitally recorded and integrated, the risk of errors is minimized, and results are processed and delivered faster at SYNLAB Nigeria. This timely access to information allows for prompt medical decisions and interventions.

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2. EHRs enable seamless sharing of patient information among different healthcare providers. This ensures that all relevant medical history and test results are available to doctors and specialists, leading to more informed decision-making and better patient outcomes. Improved coordination of care also means that EHRs facilitate better communication among healthcare providers. When patients visit SYNLAB for diagnostic tests, their healthcare providers can access the results directly through the patients’ portal, made possible because of EHR. This ensures that doctors have all necessary information to provide accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

3. Because of EHRs patients have better access to their health information. Patients can view their test results online, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers. This increased engagement empowers patients to take a more active role in their health management. SYNLAB Nigeria’s EHR system allows customers to access their personal health records online. Patients can log in to a secure portal to view their test results, track their medical history, and download reports. This convenience empowers patients to stay informed about their health and make more educated decisions.

4. EHRs at SYNLAB Nigeria ensure that patient information is securely stored and protected. Robust encryption and security protocols are in place to safeguard sensitive health data, giving customers peace of mind regarding the privacy and security of their medical information.

5. Aggregated data from EHRs can be used for research and analysis, identifying trends and patterns in patient health. This data-driven approach supports ongoing improvements in diagnostic accuracy and the development of new diagnostic tools and procedures.

The integration of Electronic Health Records at SYNLAB Nigeria exemplifies the transformative impact of EHRs on medical diagnostics. By improving data accuracy, streamlining workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and facilitating better coordination of care, EHRs would continue to play a vital role in advancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of EHRs in medical diagnostics will only grow, paving the way for more innovative and effective healthcare solutions.

About SYNLAB
• SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with presence in over 30 countries in four continents. The organization has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.
• SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The Group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practicing doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.
• Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The Group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.
• SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.
• More information can be found on www.synlab.com,

www.synlab.com.ng

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its inaugural guideline on tobacco cessation, which propounds a comprehensive approach to help the over 750 million tobacco users worldwide who wish to quit.

Released on Wednesday, the guideline emphasises the importance of behavioural support from healthcare providers, digital cessation tools, and pharmacological treatments.

It targets adults seeking to quit all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and Heated Tobacco Products.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus described the guideline as a significant milestone in the global effort to combat the harmful effects of tobacco products.

He said “This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products. It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”

More than 60 percent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users, comprising over 750 million individuals, express a desire to quit, yet 70 percent lack access to effective cessation services.

This gap is attributed to challenges within health systems, including resource constraints.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted, “The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction.

“These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”

The World Health Organization emphasized that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions substantially enhances the success rates of tobacco cessation efforts.

Countries are urged to offer these treatments free of charge or at reduced costs to enhance accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income nations.

WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, bupropion, and cytisine as effective medications for quitting tobacco.

In 2023, WHO launched a prequalification process for medications treating disorders caused by tobacco use, aiming to broaden global access to recommended tobacco cessation treatments.

In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch earned the distinction of becoming the first Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products to be WHO-prequalified.

WHO underscores the importance of behavioral interventions, including brief counseling by healthcare providers (ranging from 30 seconds to three minutes) routinely offered in healthcare settings.

They also advocate for more intensive behavioral support, such as individual, group, or phone counseling, for individuals seeking to quit tobacco.

Moreover, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs can complement these efforts as adjuncts or tools for self-management.

WHO urges healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement these guidelines to promote tobacco cessation and enhance the health outcomes of millions worldwide.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the discovery of counterfeit OHEAL Ampicillin and Cloxacillin Capsules in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, NAFDAC intercepted the falsified drugs, which are typically used to treat bacterial infections affecting the lungs, throat, airways, and skin.

In a statement posted on its official Twitter handle, NAFDAC explained that genuine Ampicillin/Cloxacillin functions by inhibiting bacterial growth and effectively eliminating infection-causing bacteria.

While the counterfeit product was identified in Onitsha, there is concern it may have already entered other parts of the country through informal markets.

NAFDAC stressed the urgent need to identify and remove these falsified drugs from circulation to safeguard public health.

“Though this falsified product was identified in Onitsha, it may likely have been distributed to other parts of the country through informal markets. Consequently, it is important to identify and remove it from circulation to prevent harm to patients,” NAFDAC said.

Importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers have been urged to exercise heightened caution and vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit or substandard medicinal products.

NAFDAC emphasized the importance of sourcing all medical products exclusively from authorized and licensed suppliers, with careful verification of product authenticity and condition.

Members of the public who have purchased the falsified OHEAL Ampicillin and Cloxacillin Capsules are advised to immediately cease use and contact NAFDAC for proper handling of their stock.