Key Features to Consider When Developing Custom EHR Software

Electronic Health Records (EHR) hold infinite promise in improving all aspects of patient care, including safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, communication, education, timeliness, efficiency, and equity.

According to ONC, in 2021, nearly 4 in 5 office-based physicians (78%) and nearly all non-federal acute care hospitals (96%) adopted a certified EHR, and the trend is similar globally. This marks substantial 10-year progress since 2011, when 28% of hospitals and 34% of physicians had adopted an EHR.

Why the surge?

The numbers speak for themselves: EHRs have been linked to a 55% reduction in medical errors, a 20% improvement in patient safety, and a 10% boost in healthcare efficiency.

Data is king, and EHRs are the crown jewels of modern healthcare.

But here’s the rub:

Off-the-shelf EHR solutions, while convenient, are often like ill-fitting suits. They try to squeeze diverse healthcare facilities into a one-size-fits-all mold, often overlooking unique workflows, specific specialties, and ever-evolving regulations.

The result? Frustrated doctors, clunky interfaces, and data silos still hinder true interoperability.

This is where healthcare professionals are inclined to build custom EHR software molded to their specific specialty needs and workflow practices.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider yearning for a custom EHR system that truly works for you or a developer seeking to understand the intricacies of this specialized field, we’ve got you covered. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the key features that will make your custom EHR software soar!

Patient Demographics and History

Developing custom EHR software is crucial for healthcare facilities in modern healthcare management.

One key aspect to focus on is patient demographics and history. The software should efficiently capture and manage comprehensive patient records.

First and foremost, make sure the EHR system allows for the inclusion of personal and medical history. This helps healthcare providers to have a holistic view of the patient’s health journey.

Another critical aspect is incorporating data on allergies, medications, and immunization records. This ensures that healthcare providers are well-informed about any potential risks or interactions when prescribing medications or administering treatments.

Clinical Notes and Documentation

One critical feature of EHR software is the real-time recording of patient encounters. Imagine healthcare professionals being able to record their observations, assessments, and treatments in real time during patient visits. It enhances accuracy and ensures that the patient’s health records are up-to-date instantly.

Templates play a crucial role in streamlining documentation processes. Customizable templates allow healthcare providers to tailor documentation according to their specific needs and specialties. At the same time, standardized templates ensure consistency across the entire system, making it easier for different healthcare professionals to understand and access patient information uniformly.

Another interesting feature of EHR is voice-to-text communication.

Well, imagine clinicians being able to verbally dictate their notes, and the software converts them into text automatically. It not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. It’s a fantastic tool for those who find typing cumbersome or when immediate hands-free documentation is required during procedures.

e-Prescription and Medication Management

ePrescription and medication management ensures the software is not only user-friendly but also covers the essentials. The system should allow seamless electronic prescribing, ensuring accurate and secure transmission of prescriptions from healthcare providers to pharmacies.

Drug interaction alert features in EHR identify potential drug interactions based on a patient’s medical history and the medications prescribed. This helps healthcare providers make informed decisions and prevent adverse reactions.

Automated refill requests are a go-to feature for patients who need regular medication refills. The system should be able to generate and send refill requests to pharmacies, streamlining the process and ensuring patients receive their medications on time. It not only reduces the administrative burden but also improves patient adherence to prescribed medications.

Lab Results and Diagnostic Imaging

EHR software has some impressive features, especially when it comes to managing lab results and diagnostic imaging. Lab and radiology integration with EHR fetches test results seamlessly. No more flipping through pages of reports. All the lab results are consolidated in one place, making it super convenient for both healthcare providers and patients.

The software not only stores images but also provides a visual representation that’s easy to interpret. It’s like having a virtual lightbox right on the screen, making it much more efficient for radiologists and doctors to review and discuss with patients.

Trend analysis in EHR allows healthcare providers to track changes over time, creating a comprehensive view of a patient’s health history. This is particularly useful for managing chronic conditions or monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.

Interoperability and Data Exchange

EHR boasts robust integration capabilities with external providers and systems. This means it can sync up with various healthcare entities, like labs, pharmacies, and even other medical facilities. Imagine a patient getting a test done in one place, and the results seamlessly appear in your system without any manual input.

EHR software must comply with industry and interoperability standards like HL7 (Health Level Seven) and FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). These standards ensure that your system speaks the same language as others in the healthcare ecosystem. So, whether it’s sharing patient records or exchanging critical information, it’s all done in a standardized way.

Security Measures

Security is paramount in custom EHR systems as they hold highly sensitive patient data. Custom EHR solutions must adhere to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which is a U.S. federal law that established standards to protect sensitive patient health information.

The first and foremost features are robust authentication and access control. Implementing a secure login system with multi-factor authentication ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive patient data.

In addition to that, encrypting data both in transit and at rest is non-negotiable. Data encryption shields patient information from unauthorized access, even if there’s a breach or someone intercepts the data while it’s moving around.

Moreover, incorporating detailed audit trials helps in monitoring user activities. It allows you to trace every interaction with the system, making it easier to identify any suspicious behaviors and maintain accountability.

Implementing Role-based access control (RBAC) features in EHR will help you tailor access permissions based on users’ roles to ensure that individuals only have access to information necessary for their responsibilities, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data exposure.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design

First off, EHR is designed to be intuitive for healthcare professionals. You know how crucial it is for doctors and nurses to quickly access patient information and navigate through the system efficiently. EHR software streamlines that process with a user-friendly interface.

The menus are logically organized, and there are shortcuts and search functionalities that make it easy to find what you need. It minimizes the learning curve, which is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

The custom EHR software allows us to tailor the interface and workflows to match your specific needs. Different departments within healthcare facilities often have unique processes, and EHR software lets us adapt the system accordingly. It’s like having a personalized experience for each user.

Reporting and Analytics

Customizable Reporting Tools allow healthcare professionals to tailor reports based on their specific needs. This means providers can generate reports that align with your unique workflows and requirements.

Data visualization is a key aspect of informed decision-making. The software translated complex healthcare data into easy-to-understand visual representations. Think graphs, charts, and dashboards. This not only saves time but also helps healthcare providers quickly grasp important insights, facilitating better-informed decision-making.

Another important feature is Population Health Management. EHR systems often come equipped with tools to analyze and manage the health of specific patient populations. It’s like having a bird’s-eye view of the overall health trends and patterns within a community or patient group.

EHR systems aggregate data from various sources to identify health trends, assess risk factors, and even predict potential outbreaks. It’s a proactive approach to healthcare management, allowing providers to intervene early and implement targeted interventions for specific groups.

Telehealth Integration

Secure video conferencing allows healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations with patients in a secure and private environment.

This feature incorporates encryption and other security measures to protect patient confidentiality. This ensures that the communication between healthcare professionals and patients remains private and complies with all relevant privacy regulations.

EHR seamlessly connects with various telehealth platforms, enabling a streamlined experience for both providers and patients. By integrating with telehealth platforms, healthcare providers can access patient information, conduct virtual consultations, and update medical records– all within medical records- all within a unified system. It not only saves time but also enhances the quality of care delivered.

Telehealth Integration also supports features like virtual appointment scheduling, automated reminders, and secure file sharing during virtual consultations. It’s a comprehensive solution designed to make telehealth a seamless part of our healthcare services.

Mobile Accessibility

Mobile EHR ensures secure access to the EHR through mobile devices. You know how security is a top concern in healthcare. EHR software has measures in place to guarantee that accessing patient records on the go is as safe as it is in the office.

The software is designed to be responsive, meaning it adapts to various screen sizes. So, whether you’re using a smartphone or a tablet, you get an optimal viewing and interaction experience. It’s great because healthcare professionals are always on the move and have information accessible on any device.

EHR mobile apps come with specific features tailored for on-the-go access. For example, it allows you to quickly review patient charts, update records, and even input data right there during rounds or home visits.

The mobile app has functionalities like voice-to-text, making it easy to input notes without typing. There’s also a secure messaging system, facilitating quick communication among the healthcare team.

Regulatory Compliance

EHR is designed to comply with major healthcare regulations like HIPAA (Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the European Union. It has robust security measures in place to safeguard patient data and ensure confidentiality.

The software undergoes regular compliance audits to ensure that it aligns with the latest regulatory requirements. This means that it’s not a one-time thing; there’s a continuous effort to stay on top of any changes in the regulatory landscape.

The EHR software also facilitates user training on compliance protocols. It ensures that your staff is well-informed about the latest regulations and best practices. This proactive approach not only minimizes the risk of compliance breaches but also fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility among our team.

Scalability

The custom EHR software is built to adapt to evolving healthcare standards. So, as the industry continues to advance, the EHR system can seamlessly incorporate changes without causing disruptions.

The EHR is designed to be upgraded and updated as needed. This means that as new features, security patches, or improvements become available, the system can be easily updated to stay current.

Scalability is crucial, not just for now but also for the long term.

Having a scalable EHR system ensures that it can grow alongside the healthcare organization, whether it’s accommodating an increase in patient volume or incorporating new functionalities.

Training and Support

Comprehensive training programs are essential to ensure that healthcare professionals can effectively use the system.

There’s usually specific training tailored for healthcare professionals. This involves teaching them how to navigate the EHR interface, input patient data, and utilize different features like electronic prescribing or lab result tracking.

The implementation phase can be challenging, and having support during that time is crucial. This support might include a help desk or dedicated support team that can address any issues or concerns that arise in real time.

Healthcare is dynamic, and EHR software needs to evolve with it. Ongoing support helps address any emerging challenges and keeps the system aligned with the latest industry standards and regulations.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, developing custom Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is paramount for modern healthcare management. The blog has highlighted key features crucial for efficient healthcare delivery, emphasizing patient records, clinical notes, medication management, lab results, interoperability, user interface, reporting tools, telehealth integration, mobile accessibility, regulatory compliance, scalability, and ongoing training. To revolutionize healthcare, choose custom EHR development.

Ready to revolutionize your healthcare system? Contact us today for personalized EHR solutions tailored to your unique needs. Embrace efficiency, enhance patient care, and stay ahead in the dynamic healthcare landscape. Let’s shape the future of healthcare together.