Key UX Challenges in EHR System Development

Developing an EHR system

Health and Tech

• Healthcare digitalization is rapidly transforming how medical services are delivered and managed. A key part of this change involves Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, which store patient information digitally.
  
  However, simply digitizing records isn't enough. The User Experience (UX) of these systems is crucial. Poor UX challenges can lead to frustration, errors and even impact patient care.

• Unlike general software, EHRs demand extreme precision and efficiency, as user errors can have severe consequences for patient safety. A primary challenge is the sheer volume and complexity of medical data that needs to be presented clearly and concisely.

• Complexity of data

  Designers must find ways to simplify dense information without losing critical details, a process known as information overload management. If a clinician spends too much time navigating confusing menus or sifting through irrelevant data, it directly impacts their workflow efficiency. Studies show that poor EHR usability can add hours to a physician's day, contributing to provider burnout.

What to consider

• Task completion time

  How long does it take for a user to perform a specific action, like ordering a prescription?

• Error rates

  How often users make mistakes, such as entering incorrect dosages?

• For instance, if a clunky interface causes a nurse to take an extra 30 seconds per patient record, across hundreds of patients daily, this accumulates to significant lost productivity and increased operational costs. High error rates, even seemingly small ones, can lead to serious medical errors, costing healthcare systems millions in preventable harm and legal fees.

Issues faced by EHR

User Satisfaction

• User satisfaction with EHR systems is notoriously low in many cases. Dissatisfied users are less engaged, which can lead to workarounds or a reluctance to fully adopt the system's features. This affects user engagement and, indirectly, data accuracy within the system.
  
  A system that's difficult to use may also see lower user retention among staff, increasing training costs for new hires.
  
  The goal in EHR system development is to create interfaces that are intuitive, minimize cognitive load and streamline complex workflows, ensuring high adoption and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

• One solution implemented by some modern EHRs is intelligent alert prioritization and contextual filtering. Instead of generic pop-ups, the system might only show high-priority alerts relevant to the specific medication being prescribed or the patient's current condition.

• Number of alerts reduced by 10%

  It directly improves clinician efficiency, reducing the likelihood of missed critical warnings. Improved alert management has been shown to decrease medical errors by up to 10% in some studies, leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced provider satisfaction.

• Data entry efficiency

  Cerner's EHR solutions, for example, often focus on features like smart templates and voice recognition. A doctor can use voice commands to dictate notes directly into a patient's chart, or select pre-filled templates for common conditions, significantly reducing typing time.

• Up to 30 % - Typing time cut

  This can cut documentation time by 20-30% per patient visit, allowing doctors to see more patients or spend more quality time on direct care. This efficiency gain contributes to higher provider productivity, which positively impacts a hospital's financial performance.

• The journey of healthcare digitalization is complex and the success of EHR system development hinges significantly on exceptional User Experience (UX).
  
  At RDL, we recognize the critical UX challenges inherent in this specialized field. We are dedicated to partnering with healthcare IT professionals, hospital administrators and medical product managers to create intuitive, efficient and safe digital solutions.
  
  We approach these challenges by focusing on user-centric design, ensuring that the needs of clinicians, patients and administrators are at the forefront.

RDL solutions

• Accessibility and Inclusivity

  We ensure EHR systems are accessible to all users, including those with varying technical abilities or disabilities, by adhering to universal design principles.

• Usability Testing with Clinicians

  We conduct extensive usability testing with actual healthcare professionals to gather real-world feedback, allowing for iterative improvements that truly meet their needs.

• Streamlined Workflow Design

  We meticulously map complex clinical workflows to create logical, step-by-step interfaces that reduce cognitive load and minimize errors. This means fewer clicks, clearer navigation and faster task completion for busy healthcare providers.

• Intelligent Information Architecture

  We organize vast amounts of medical data into easily digestible formats, using visual hierarchies, progressive disclosure and customizable dashboards to present critical information without overwhelming users.

• Error Prevention and Validation

  Our designs incorporate robust validation mechanisms and clear feedback loops to prevent common data entry mistakes, enhancing patient safety and data accuracy.

• Through these tailored UX strategies, we help healthcare organizations overcome the complexities of EHRs, improving provider satisfaction, boosting efficiency and ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

• Overcoming the inherent UX challenges in their development is not just about making software look good; it's about safeguarding patient well-being, enhancing clinician efficiency and ensuring the smooth operation of entire medical facilities.
  
  For healthcare IT professionals, hospital administrators and medical product managers, embracing human-centered UX design is the most powerful tool to transform digital records into truly supportive and life-saving tools.
  
  Prioritize thoughtful design in EHRs; it is the cornerstone of modern, patient-focused healthcare.