Electronic medical records: evolution, usability, challenges, and trends in health care settings
Author(s)
Elsangidy, Mervat Mahmoud
Farag, Nesrine Saad
Rawaf, salman
Ibrahim, Nesreen F
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The transition from traditional paper-based medical records to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has significantly transformed healthcare documentation, enhancing data accessibility, patient care efficiency, and clinical decision-making. This review explores the evolution of EHR systems, emphasizing their usability, associated challenges, and emerging trends in healthcare settings. The widespread adoption of EHRs has streamlined medical workflows, reduced errors, and improved care coordination. However, challenges such as interoperability issues, data security concerns, and resistance from healthcare providers continue to impact their effectiveness. Financial constraints and technical difficulties further complicate implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Recent advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) integration, cloud-based solutions, and mobile EHR platforms, offer promising improvements in usability and functionality. Additionally, interoperability frameworks, such as Health Level Seven (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), play a crucial role in optimizing data exchange across healthcare systems. The review also highlights Egypt’s efforts in digitizing its healthcare infrastructure, with Port Said serving as a pioneering model for nationwide EHR implementation under the Universal Health Insurance System.
Despite persistent challenges, the future of EHRs appears promising, driven by technological innovations and policy advancements aimed at enhancing usability, security, and patient-centered care. Addressing existing barriers through improved system design, provider training, and regulatory measures will be essential in maximizing the benefits of EHRs and ensuring their long-term success in modern healthcare environments.
Recent advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) integration, cloud-based solutions, and mobile EHR platforms, offer promising improvements in usability and functionality. Additionally, interoperability frameworks, such as Health Level Seven (HL7) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), play a crucial role in optimizing data exchange across healthcare systems. The review also highlights Egypt’s efforts in digitizing its healthcare infrastructure, with Port Said serving as a pioneering model for nationwide EHR implementation under the Universal Health Insurance System.
Despite persistent challenges, the future of EHRs appears promising, driven by technological innovations and policy advancements aimed at enhancing usability, security, and patient-centered care. Addressing existing barriers through improved system design, provider training, and regulatory measures will be essential in maximizing the benefits of EHRs and ensuring their long-term success in modern healthcare environments.
Date Issued
2025-07-01
Date Acceptance
2025-02-03
Citation
Medicine Updates, 2025, 22 (22), pp.45-60
ISSN
2682-2741
Publisher
Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University
Start Page
45
End Page
60
Journal / Book Title
Medicine Updates
Volume
22
Issue
22
Copyright Statement
This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-07-01