{"id":16931,"date":"2024-11-13T08:09:10","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T08:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appstudio.ca\/blog\/?p=16931"},"modified":"2024-11-13T08:18:24","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T08:18:24","slug":"guide-to-build-an-ehr-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appstudio.ca\/blog\/guide-to-build-an-ehr-system\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide on Building EHR System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Remember when hospitals were buried under piles of paperwork? Thankfully, those days are long gone. With the rise of EHR system development, the industry has solved many of healthcare’s biggest challenges, benefiting patients, practitioners and providers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EHR systems not only eliminate the need for physical files but also automate many aspects of healthcare management. They are critical in improving patient outcomes by streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing patient care, and ensuring secure data access. In fact, recent projections suggest that the global EHR market is expected to hit USD 52.98 billion by 2027<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building an EHR system might sound complex, but with the right tools, team and services, it\u2019s easier than ever. This blog will take you through a head-to-toe guide to the EHR system development process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient\u2019s paper chart, capturing everything from medical history, diagnoses, and medications to treatment plans, immunization dates, and lab results. This summary is stored and shared using specialized software, allowing healthcare providers to track patient information over time and coordinate care more effectively. Whether it\u2019s physicians, labs, pharmacies, or even the patients themselves, EHR systems ensure that all authorized individuals involved in the patient\u2019s care can access and share important medical data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, it\u2019s easy to confuse Electronic Health Record Development (EHR) with Electronic Medical Records development (EMR); the two terms are often used interchangeably. The main distinction lies in their scope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, EHR systems help healthcare providers<\/a> keep track of everything, ensuring no critical details are overlooked while making the process smoother and less time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related reading: <\/strong>What Is Interoperability in Healthcare? – A Complete Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing an EHR system, healthcare providers have several options to consider. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on multiple factors. Here are the different t<\/strong>ypes of EHR systems and how they benefit both healthcare providers and patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A cloud-based EHR is hosted on remote servers and accessed via the Internet, providing a high degree of flexibility and scalability. Since the data is stored in the cloud, there\u2019s no need for expensive on-site hardware, making it ideal for small\u2014to medium-sized practices with limited IT resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An on-premise EHR is installed locally on the healthcare provider\u2019s servers, giving organizations greater control over their data and systems. This type of EHR is typically used by larger healthcare organizations with the necessary IT infrastructure and can handle the higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A custom-built EHR is designed from the ground up to meet an organization’s specific needs. While this option can be more expensive and time-consuming, it offers unparalleled flexibility and can be fully integrated with existing systems and workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the building of a robust EHR system development, choosing the right technology stack is critical to ensuring seamless performance, scalability, and security. The healthcare industry demands systems that can handle vast amounts of sensitive data while offering high availability, fast processing, and compliance with stringent regulations like HIPAA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s explore the key technical components involved in EHR software development<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The front end<\/a> of an electronic health record development is what healthcare providers, administrators, and patients interact with primarily, so the design must prioritize ease of use, responsiveness, and intuitive navigation. A well-designed interface ensures that healthcare professionals can focus on patient care rather than struggling with the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Back end<\/a> of an EHR system is where all patient data is stored, processed, and retrieved. Given the sensitivity of healthcare data, the back-end must be reliable, scalable, and secure, capable of handling high data loads and ensuring fast access to critical medical records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In healthcare, security is not just an important feature\u2014it is a legal obligation. With healthcare data breaches reaching record levels in 2023 and exposing millions of patient records, robust security measures are non-negotiable. According to recent data, the healthcare industry witnessed over 700 breaches<\/a> in 2023 alone, highlighting the growing threat to medical data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related reading: <\/strong>Top 10 Mobile App Features in Healthcare<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Building an in-place electronic health record system development isn\u2019t just about writing code. It\u2019s a multifaceted process that requires collaboration between various professionals, each playing a crucial role in bringing the project to life. Let\u2019s break down the roles required and why each is indispensable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Project Manager is the backbone of the EHR development process. They act as the glue between the client (in this case, healthcare providers) and the development team. They oversee the project from start to finish, ensuring every milestone is met on time and within budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> Healthcare projects, especially EHR software, are highly sensitive due to the data privacy and compliance requirements involved. A strong PM ensures that the project adheres to regulations like HIPAA while meeting the healthcare provider\u2019s expectations. Without solid project management, timelines can easily slip, and the software can fall short of industry standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your software developers are the builders of the EHR system development, responsible for creating the application’s front-end (what the users see and interact with) and back-end (where the data is stored and processed) components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> The success of an EHR system hinges on seamless performance and data accessibility. If the front end is clunky or slow, doctors and nurses won\u2019t use it. The system risks violating privacy laws and damaging trust if the back-end doesn\u2019t securely manage vast amounts of sensitive data. Your development team is the project’s core, ensuring that the EHR software is reliable and user-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n UX\/UI designers are pivotal in how effectively healthcare providers will use the electronic health record system development. Doctors, nurses, and administrative staff need to access patient data quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced clinical setting. A poorly designed user interface<\/a> can lead to frustration, errors, and time wasted navigating the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> Even minor delays or confusion in accessing information can affect patient care in healthcare. A well-designed EHR system can drastically reduce the time it takes to locate patient records, document treatments, and share information across departments. Your UX\/UI designers ensure the system is easy to navigate, increasing its overall adoption among healthcare staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No software launch is complete without rigorous testing. QA testers ensure the EHR system functions as intended, without bugs or performance issues. Since EHRs deal with sensitive patient information, the system must be thoroughly tested to avoid data breaches, crashes, or slowdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> There\u2019s no room for error in healthcare. A malfunctioning EHR can lead to misdiagnoses, treatment delays, or worse. QA testers ensure that the software is secure, reliable, and ready for deployment, giving healthcare providers the confidence to trust the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the highly regulated nature of healthcare, compliance and security experts are critical team members. Their role is to ensure that the EHR system adheres to all local and international regulations regarding data protection, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the US or the GDPR in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> A data breach or non-compliance with healthcare regulations can lead to hefty fines, legal trouble, and loss of trust. Security and compliance experts ensure that your EHR software works well, keeps patient data safe, and meets all legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthcare consultant bridges the gap between the technical team and the healthcare provider. They bring industry-specific insights and ensure that the software aligns with the actual needs of medical professionals. They provide feedback on workflows, data capture methods, and clinical requirements to ensure the system integrates seamlessly into a healthcare setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It\u2019s Crucial:<\/strong> Developers might not always have in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry, and this can result in a system that doesn\u2019t fully meet the needs of doctors or nurses. A healthcare consultant ensures the EHR system is built from a clinical perspective, maximizing its usefulness in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related reading: <\/strong>How is IoMT Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n An EHR system development involves several key steps, each critical to ensuring the system is functional, compliant, and user-friendly. Here\u2019s a roadmap to follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before any coding begins, it\u2019s essential to define the goals and objectives of the electronic health record system development. Thus, asking these questions is imperative to set up an initial plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This phase also involves gathering input from stakeholders to create a detailed blueprint for development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related reading: <\/strong>Software Architecture for Healthcare Apps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To contribute to the success of feasible and convenient healthcare facilities, EHR system development <\/strong>has repeatedly proven to be more than just digital repositories for medical records. They represent a transformative step capable of revolutionizing patient care and enhancing medical outcomes. From automating workflows to integrating AI<\/a> for predictive healthcare, the potential of developing EHR software systems is limitless. As interoperability and personalized medicine become the norm, the impact of EHR systems on healthcare will continue to grow, improving both the efficiency of medical institutions and the quality of patient care.If you\u2019re a healthcare provider in Canada looking to leverage these advancements and create an EHR system tailored to your specific needs, AppStudio<\/a> is your go-to partner. With a deep understanding of healthcare IT and a proven track record of delivering secure, scalable solutions, AppStudio is uniquely positioned to help you design and implement the next generation of EHR software that aligns with your goals and meets the evolving demands of modern healthcare. Schedule a FREE Consultation<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is EHR?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Types of EHR Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Cloud-Based EHR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. On-Premise EHR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Custom-Built EHR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Type of Tech Stack Required to Build an EHR System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Front-End Technologies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Frameworks: React and Angular<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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2. Back-End Technologies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Database Management Systems (DBMS)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Server-Side Frameworks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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3. Security Measures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Security Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Team Required to Build an EHR Software<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Project Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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2. Software Developers (Front-End and Back-End)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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3. UX\/UI Designers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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4. Quality Assurance (QA) Testers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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5. Compliance and Security Experts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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6. Healthcare Consultant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Steps to Build an EHR System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Initial Planning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Development Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Final Takeaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n