The healthcare industry has undergone massive development, intending to provide quality care and streamline operations. At the heart of this change is the introduction of electronic health records applications, also known as EHR software.
This software does more than just store patient records in a digital format—the application enhances decision-making and improves healthcare and patient management outcomes.
However, the real challenge lies in developing the best EHR software. Plenty of work goes on behind the scenes, and it requires a deep understanding of healthcare workflows, cloud services, API development, and human interface interaction.
This article explores the steps involved in EHR software development, from planning to future trends, offering insights into how these applications are reshaping modern healthcare.
Table of Contents
Understanding EHR Software
Most people think that EHR systems are a digital database with a cool interface, featuring search, add, and delete buttons. However, these applications are more complex and do more than just store and consolidate patient data.
Modern EHR apps store patient information, lab results, doctor appointments, treatment plans, and billing information. This data is shared across healthcare networks, allowing seamless collaboration between different entities, such as pharmacies, specialists, and labs.
EHR applications offer real-time access to patient information, thus reducing errors, expenses, and redundant tests.
EHR Software Development Process
Developing an EHR application is where the rubber meets the road. It requires in-depth planning, research, tests, and adherence to healthcare laws and regulations. Below, we’ll break down all the steps involved in EHR application development.
Hiring Developers
Finding the best developers will make the project a breeze. There are two options you can choose from when hiring your EHR software development team. The first is getting a third-party software development firm like Empeek to work on the project. This tends to be the best choice because it is more affordable and less time-consuming.
Option two is hiring developers and setting up an in-house team of IT experts and coders. The downside with this option is you will spend more money interviewing and onboarding talent. The team may also take time before they gel, slowing down the progress of your EHR software development project.
Planning and Research
The foundation of building quality software lies in understanding end-users’ needs. The EHR software development team must engage with all relevant stakeholders to identify areas of weakness that need to be addressed in the system.
For example, most hospitals offering basic primary care will prioritize having an automated appointment scheduling feature. Developers must research and learn about healthcare regulations to ensure that the system prioritizes patient data privacy.
User Experience
The application may have all of the features needed by doctors, nurses, and lab techs in the hospital, but if the user interface is difficult to navigate, most people will avoid using it. EHR software interfaces must balance functionality and simplicity.
An intuitive UI will make the user experience 10x better. Healthcare workers juggle multiple tasks in their daily routine, so an easy-to-use application with navigation is crucial. An admin dashboard, role-based access, and a responsive design are all must-haves when developing EHR software.
Development and Integration
Now, it is time to choose the ideal tech stack for your application. You must also decide whether to build a monolith program or go the microservices route. Both options have pros and cons when developing software products.
The main goals when building EHR software are interoperability and integration. Your application must integrate and communicate with other existing applications within the healthcare industry.
You must also factor in security features, such as multi-factor or two-step verification, to safeguard patient information from data breaches.
Testing and Deployment
Rigorous testing ensures reliability. It allows you to catch bugs and errors before the EHR software is pushed to production. The developers will run unit tests to ensure that each feature is working well.
Integration tests will be done to check if all modules and microservices communicate together. Lastly, user-acceptance testing will be done to ensure all workflows are as required. You also need to set up a customer support team to offer technical assistance and training programs.
Key Features of Modern EHR Systems
As mentioned, modern-day EHR apps do more than just record-keeping. They are packed with powerful features to help collect information, streamline operations, and offer better healthcare. Below are some of the core features found in modern EHR software.
Seamless Data Exchange
EHR platforms leverage cloud services and healthcare standards, like FHIR and HL7, to ensure smooth communication between healthcare providers. This allows doctors, pharmacists, and nurses to access patient information in real time.
This feature also allows first responders to retrieve patient information, saving time and lives during emergency medical situations. Interoperability and seamless data exchange eliminate data duplication and enhance service delivery.
Data-Driven Healthcare Support
Machine learning and AI are changing how we use and consume information. Advanced EHR apps use AI-driven tools to analyze patient data in real-time. For instance, tools can provide a diagnosis from the patient’s lab results.
The AI tools use the data collected to train their models and improve accuracy when it comes to disease diagnosis. This empowers healthcare workers, reducing diagnostic errors and streamlining workflows.
Patient Portals
Internet access means you don’t have to travel to your doctor’s office to collect your lab results or prescriptions. Modern EHR software features patient portals, granting individuals access to their health records, lab results, and visit summaries.
You can also have your reminders on upcoming doctor appointments automated. Some EHR applications also integrate video conferencing tools, enabling virtual consultations. Your doctor can check up on you via a video call and offer medical advice.
These features improve convenience and encourage patients to take an active role in managing their health.
Final Takeaway
Today’s EHR systems are dynamic platforms that transcend record-keeping. The key to a successful software development project is finding the best developers with years of experience building EHR and other related products.
Do your research on tech stacks and the off-the-shelf EHR solutions available on the market. Getting an open-source solution and having it customized to suit your hospital’s needs can make the development process quicker.