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

Which is NOT an advantage of integrating EHRs?

1. Streamlining patient data access

2. Improves security and privacy of patient data

3. Facilitates interoperability

4. Enhances clinical decision support

The correct answer is: Improves security and privacy of patient data

Improves security and privacy of patient data is the option that does not typically represent an advantage of integrating Electronic Health Records (EHRs). While integrating EHRs can potentially lead to improved security measures because of structured data and controlled access systems, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and risks. For example, when patient data is consolidated in a single system, it can become a more attractive target for cyberattacks, and any breach could potentially expose a larger volume of sensitive data. Additionally, sharing data across different organizations may complicate privacy protections, as each entity may have different security protocols and policies. On the other hand, the advantages of integrating EHRs include streamlining patient data access, facilitating interoperability between different systems and healthcare providers, and enhancing clinical decision support. Streamlining patient data access allows healthcare professionals to quickly retrieve and share patient information, leading to more efficient care. Facilitating interoperability ensures that different EHR systems can communicate and exchange data effectively, which is essential for coordinated patient care. Enhancing clinical decision support involves using integrated data to provide healthcare providers with evidence-based recommendations and alerts that can improve patient outcomes.