Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What is the main goal of electronic health record (EHR) systems?

1. Increase administrative workload

2. Enhance patient participation

3. Reduce healthcare costs

4. Improve data sharing and coordination

The correct answer is: Improve data sharing and coordination

The primary objective of electronic health record (EHR) systems is to improve data sharing and coordination among healthcare providers. EHRs serve as comprehensive digital repositories of patient information, allowing different healthcare entities to access and share pertinent data seamlessly. This capability enhances clinical decision-making by providing healthcare professionals with immediate access to a patient's medical history, treatment plans, and results from laboratory tests or imaging studies. By facilitating easier communication and information exchange, EHRs contribute to a more coordinated healthcare delivery system, which can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced duplication of diagnostic tests, and better overall efficiency in care management. The other choices, while they may represent secondary benefits of EHR systems, do not capture the core purpose as effectively as enhancing data sharing and coordination. For example, while enhancing patient participation can be an advantage of EHRs through patient portals, the central goal is more focused on the integration and accessibility of health information among care teams. Similarly, while reducing healthcare costs can be an outcome of more coordinated care, the immediate aim of EHR systems is to ensure that relevant health data is readily available to improve patient safety and quality of care.