Implications and Impact of Adopting Recommendations from the DOT/FAA/AM-24/20 Report on the Use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) to Support Pilot Aeromedical Certification

Abstract: This study investigates the implications of adopting the recommendations outlined in the DOT/FAA/AM-24/20 report, which advocates for the integration of Electronic Health Records (EHR) into the pilot aeromedical certification process (Watson, et al., 2024). Given the increasing demand for modernization within aviation and the heightened focus on safety, the implementation of EHR systems in medical certification processes presents both opportunities and challenges. Provenzano, et al. (2024) argues that the adoption of “electronic health records offers improved communication and information sharing while reducing medical staff errors” (Provenzano, et al., 2024). This paper assesses the broad potential impact of EHR adoption on areas such as pilot recruitment, training, health management, privacy concerns, and aviation workforce dynamics. Furthermore, it critically examines the ethical, technical, and logistical considerations inherent in the transition to EHR-based certification. EHRs are expected to increase efficiency in healthcare delivery, improve healthcare quality, and relieve increased financial pressure (Basil, et al., 2022). Despite the potential for associated benefits however, “EHRs are potentially vulnerable to security concerns that may affect the confidentiality and privacy of patients’ personal information” (Basil, et al., 2022). The primary aim of this research is to evaluate how the implementation of EHR systems can enhance the overall efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of pilot aeromedical certification. The paper discusses the potential benefits of EHR adoption, particularly in addressing the growing pilot shortage and improving the tracking of chronic health conditions and/or health risk factors, such as obesity, elevated psychological fatigue, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, that may affect flight safety. The legal and ethical dimensions of managing pilot health data, emphasizing the importance of adherence to privacy regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the need for informed consent from pilots regarding the use and storage of their health information are also explored. One key issue is the resistance from stakeholders, including pilots, medical examiners, and aviation organizations, represents another significant challenge. Pilots may be apprehensive about the transparency and accessibility of their health records, fearing potential impacts on career opportunities or insurance premiums. The potential workforce implications of adopting EHR systems are also discussed, particularly the shift in responsibilities for medical examiners and the demand for IT professionals skilled in managing electronic health records. Long-term, the use of EHR systems could provide significant benefits for active pilots, facilitating continuous health monitoring, early detection of medical issues, and more effective management of pilot health over time. This could lead to improved overall aviation safety, with proactive health management reducing the risk of incidents related to undiagnosed medical conditions. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of EHR integration, particularly its impact on pilot health outcomes, workforce shortages, and regulatory processes. The development of guidelines, training programs, and regulatory frameworks aimed at optimizing the benefits of EHR adoption for aviation safety and workforce sustainability is recommended.Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHR), Pilot Aeromedical Certification, Aviation Safety, Privacy and Security, Pilot Recruitment, Workforce Implications, Data Security

Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHR), Pilot Aeromedical Certification, Workforce Implications.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006657

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