What does "scalability" refer to in EHR systems?

Scalability in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems refers to the ability of the system to grow and accommodate more users or data as the needs of the healthcare facility evolve. This characteristic is crucial for healthcare organizations that anticipate growth, whether through an increasing number of patients, additional services, or the incorporation of new technologies. A scalable EHR system ensures that, as demand increases, the infrastructure can adapt without a complete redesign or compromise on performance. This capability supports efficient workflow and data management, which is vital for maintaining high-quality patient care and operational efficiency as organizations expand.

In contrast to scalability, minimizing hardware usage, reducing software features, or having a fixed nature of the application doesn't align with the concept of adaptability that scalability embodies. These factors may limit the growth potential and flexibility necessary for modern healthcare environments.