Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What are some of the challenges in making EHR software usable?

1. Lack of user interest

2. Overabundance of features

3. Lack of information and standards on what makes EHRs usable

4. Uniformity in design across systems

The correct answer is: Lack of information and standards on what makes EHRs usable

The selection emphasizes the significant challenges surrounding Electronic Health Record (EHR) software usability, particularly focusing on the lack of information and established standards regarding usability. The usability of EHR systems is crucial as these tools are directly linked to the efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction of healthcare professionals when interacting with electronic records. The absence of comprehensive guidelines and metrics makes it difficult for developers to create systems that meet the diverse needs of healthcare providers. Without standardized principles, there’s inconsistency in how usability is approached across different EHR systems, leading to an array of user experiences that can vary widely, which impacts user adoption and patient care quality. While user interest and an overabundance of features are relevant to usability, they stem from the broader issue of standardization and clear guidelines regarding what makes an EHR system user-friendly. Likewise, uniformity in design might seem beneficial but could ignore the unique requirements of different healthcare practices, thereby not addressing the core issue of a lack of defined usability standards.