What is one of the goals of structured documentation in EHR systems?

One of the primary goals of structured documentation in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is to reduce the time spent on documentation. This approach involves using predefined templates, forms, and standardized fields that allow healthcare providers to input data efficiently and consistently. By employing structured documentation, clinicians can quickly enter required information, facilitating faster documentation processes and enabling them to focus more on patient care rather than on manual note-taking.

Moreover, structured documentation enhances data retrieval and sharing because standardized formats make it easier for systems to analyze and integrate the information. This improved efficiency can lead to better patient outcomes as healthcare providers have more time to spend with patients instead of being bogged down by administrative tasks. Ultimately, the use of structured documentation aims to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance communication among care teams, which aligns with the broader goals of health information technology in improving the quality of healthcare delivery.