A Critical Review of the Ethical Aspects of the Electronic Health Record System (Spas in Iran)



Khaleghparast S^{1, 5} ; Bagheri Faradanbeh S² ; Karimian S¹ ; Khosrobeigi Bozchaloei F³ ; Hoseini Zargaz SE³ ; Shamsi Gooshki E^{4, 6}
Source: Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Published:2024

Abstract

The electronic health record system (SPAS in Iran) records information related to the health of individuals in an electronic format. It is the center for collecting health information and data on outpatients and inpatients. This system records information such as the patient's full name, marital status, gender, date of admission, level of education, occupation, type of admission, and other relevant medical data. The core values and ethical requirements of SPAS include safeguarding citizens' rights, respecting individuals, observing justice and fairness, transparency, encouraging participation, and accountability. In this study, the ethical aspects of SPAS were evaluated using the model proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for ethical evaluation. This model emphasizes fundamental ethical principles such as human well-being and health, respecting individuals and communities, justice, and fairness. Concerning human well-being and health, SPAS can prevent unnecessary and redundant interventions and provide physicians with quick access to an accurate patient history. Furthermore, the system ensures the confidentiality of information, which is essential to respect individuals and communities. Regarding justice and fairness, the system can improve access to health services for disadvantaged and remote areas. Moreover, SPAS adheres to procedural ethical principles such as solidarity, transparency, participation, and accountability. Therefore, by critically examining the ethical dimensions of the electronic health record system (SPAS), the findings of the present study provide valuable insights for policymakers, health professionals, and regulatory organizations to ensure the ethical and efficient performance of electronic health record systems in Iran. © 2024, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.