According to a National Electronic Health Records Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2017, nearly 90% of all office-based physicians in the United States have acquired an Electronic Health Record (EHR). While widespread adoption has driven numerous advancements, many report EHR usability as a primary source of workplace frustration. To understand the source of this issue, it’s critical to consider how these systems relate to the objectives of each organization.

The US healthcare market is diverse and dynamic.  Factors such as location, demographics, and patient volumes create unique clinical and business needs. Unfortunately, the EHR market—with more than 400 different vendors—is still largely uniform in its offerings. There are 2 primary types.

One-size-fits-all systems. These are generally the most-recognized and possess the greatest market share. To maximize sales potential, they are developed to support practices of every type, regardless of size or specialty.

Regulatory adequate systems. Developed to meet the minimum requirements dictated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, these typically offer bare-bones features and functionality.

These options frequently fail to support the particular needs of many small- to medium-sized practices. As a result, the user experience often falls short of expectations. To identify a system that better aligns with your specific needs, consider the following factors:

• Right-sized capabilities
• User interface design
• Customization
• Interoperability and integrations
• Accessibility and mobility
• Implementation and training
• Customer service and support

It’s also important to consider the level of dedication to customer success that vendors demonstrate. Those committed to the long-term growth of their customers will inherently deliver a more user-friendly experience. Evaluating EHRs based on the criteria above can help identify vendors who are most closely attuned to your expectations.

To learn more about evaluating the user experience of EHRs, download our latest white paper, “Resetting EHR User Experience Expectations.”