Electronic Health Records have fairly replaced the paperwork that goes around in the healthcare sector.
EHR software solutions have significantly improved and are widely used by healthcare providers.
Furthermore, the American Healthcare Association Annual survey showed that 96% of the hospitals have adapted to EHR systems.
Since EHR systems have become an integral part of the healthcare industry, several challenges are faced in the Custom EHR software development process.
To start with, the providers are often confused with a custom EHR or a standard EHR system.
EHR systems have become a need of the industry, and in this blog, we’ll help you understand an EHR system and which one you should choose.
An Electronic Health Record (EHR) System is a digital system that helps store and manage essential health information.
This system is used by healthcare professionals in hospitals or other healthcare settings.
An EHR system can store important information like patient data, lab reports, medical history, and other things.
Traditionally, a lot of paperwork was involved in the process, from signed prescriptions to bill claims, etc.
Which complicated the process of providing fast and easy care.
However, since the integration of EHR systems, it can become fairly easy to exchange data between various organizations involved in providing care.
So, an EHR system can be used by healthcare providers, patients, and researchers.
EHR systems were built for healthcare facilities to reduce operational costs and time.
Over the years, these systems have become more sophisticated and offer distinct benefits for a healthcare organization.
Here are some of the benefits of the EHR system for healthcare:
EHR allows healthcare facilities to digitally record and store data in real-time. This helps the healthcare organization save significant time and money on paperwork.
EHR system revolves mainly around patients. With the EHR system, showing test results becomes easier.
Along with that, it also helps in setting follow-up appointments and sending them alerts and reminders.
An EHR system is a cloud-based solution implemented with required security measures, which minimizes the risks of data leaks or theft risks.
EHR has bridged the gap between all the players involved in a care plan. This helps everyone to make informed decisions aligning with the ongoing patient’s treatment.
When you search the market for an EHR solution, ready-made EHR software seems to be the ideal choice for everyone.
A ready-made EHR software offers predefined functionality.
Usually, ready-made or off-the-shelf EHR software often comes in a subscription model.
If you’re looking to integrate a ready-made EHR system in your healthcare setting, here are some pros and cons that you must know.
Pros
Every healthcare organization has a different workflow that suits its unique needs.
For such settings, a bespoke solution that specifically addresses the unique needs is extremely important.
That is why developing a custom EHR system might be the ideal solution.
Here are some benefits of developing a custom EHR system:
1.Addresses the Organization’s Unique Needs: A custom EHR solution offers flexibility and can be designed according to the organization’s workflow. Along with that, it comes with easy further customization.
2.Higher Security: Since a custom-built EHR system has limited users, it makes the system more secure.
3.Better Integration: EHR software integration is one of the major challenges in the market.
But in custom-made software, it can be built in a way to easily integrate with other systems.
Off-the-Shelf Vs. Custom EHR Solutions
From a broader perspective, both off-the-shelf and custom EHR software might appear the same.
However, there are some major differences that define the functionality of both the software.
Here is a brief difference between standard EHR software and custom EHR software.
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Standard EHR Solutions |
Custom EHR Solutions |
|
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Cost |
Standard EHR solutions are already in use and costs less than custom-built EHR solution. These solutions often follow a subscription model for revenue generation. |
Custom EHR Solutions are comparatively expensive due to the development process. |
|
Functionality |
Predefined features and functions. |
It is designed to meet specific needs and is more flexible in terms of functioning. |
|
Implementation Time |
These EHR solutions are quick to implement and ready to use. |
There is a longer implementation time for custom EHR solutions since they have to be developed from scratch. |
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Support & Maintenance |
Often comes with vendor support and maintenance. |
Often comes with maintenance and support from EHR software development companies. |
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Compliance |
Designed to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. |
It can be designed to meet unique regulatory compliances along with industry standards and regulatory requirements. |
“EHR software development goes through a number of stages before it is finally deployed for use.”
Here are the main stages of EHR system development and how it can help you reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.
In the discovery stage of the EHR system development, it is crucial to understand the needs and create a roadmap for its integration.
Here, understand the workflow within the organization and define the future workflow.
Once the functions of the EHR software are defined, it then comes to the developers to develop the software.
Some of the things in the development stage consist of the following:
While developing, understand the essential features first and then start advanced integration with further updates.
Some features of EHR software include a Patient Profile Portal, Clinical Dashboard, Appointment scheduling, etc.
1. Testing and Compliance Test
In this stage, the developed software is rigorously tested and checked for quality assurance. Apart from that, the software is also tested for compliance with the regulatory guidelines.
2. Implementation Stage
Once the software is tested and passes all the checkboxes, it is then implemented into the system.
Here, the staff is given hands-on training to be familiar with the system and enhance their productivity.
Conclusion
Electronic Health Record systems have indeed revolutionized the workflow of the healthcare industry.
However, the confusion of choosing between a custom-built system and a standard system can be troublesome in the future.
A custom electronic health records system gives you more flexibility with the operations and can easily adapt to the organization’s unique requirements.
However, it is important to access and understand your needs and choose the system that suits your healthcare facility best.
