What is a hybrid record in healthcare?

A hybrid record in healthcare refers to a system that incorporates both electronic and paper components in managing patient information. This means some portions of the record are digitized and accessible electronically, while other parts may still exist in physical, paper form.

The hybrid model is significant because it allows healthcare providers and organizations to transition gradually from traditional paper records to fully electronic health records (EHRs). Many facilities implement hybrid records during this transition period, where not all patient information has been converted to electronic format, thus retaining the functionality of both formats.

This option recognizes the reality many healthcare systems face, where complete digitization has not yet been achieved, and patient records may be spread across different formats for various reasons, including resource constraints or the pace of technology adoption.