Unstructured Electronic Health Records (EHR)

What are unstructured electronic health records? 

Unstructured electronic health records (EHRs) refer to patient health information that is stored in a non-standardized, free-text format within electronic systems. Unlike structured EHRs, which use predefined fields and codes (like ICD-10 codes), unstructured EHRs contain data in the form of narrative notes, clinician observations, imaging reports, and other text-based documents. These records often contain rich, qualitative insights but can be challenging to analyze and integrate due to their lack of standardized structure. 

Why are unstructured electronic health records important? 

Unstructured electronic health records are an important aspect of modern healthcare, providing valuable qualitative insights that enhance patient care. Despite challenges in analysis, the detailed, narrative nature of unstructured EHRs enables healthcare providers to capture a fuller picture of patient health and clinical decision-making. As technology evolves, especially with the use of NLP and AI tools, unstructured EHRs will continue to play a crucial role in advancing clinical research, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the overall healthcare experience.