What is the effect of electronic health records (EHR) on health care delivery?

Electronic health records (EHRs) significantly enhance patient safety and the efficiency of care. By digitizing patient information, EHRs facilitate better coordination among healthcare providers, allowing for real-time access to patient data, treatment history, and allergies. This comprehensive view of patients' medical histories reduces the likelihood of medical errors, such as drug interactions or repeated tests.

Moreover, EHRs streamline administrative processes, such as scheduling and billing, which improves overall workflow and allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork. Integrating clinical decision support tools within EHRs can also assist providers in making informed decisions, further reinforcing patient safety and improving care outcomes.

In contrast, other options suggest issues stemming from EHR implementation but do not accurately reflect their primary benefits in the healthcare system. Therefore, the positive impacts of EHRs on patient safety and care efficiency stand out as a fundamental advancement in modern health care delivery.