2024 Health IT Survey Findings: Key Takeaways for Product Development

The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and with it, the technology that supports clinicians and administrators in delivering high-quality care. As we close out 2024, STJ Business has compiled key insights from our recent customer surveys regarding Electronic Health Record (EHR) and billing systems. These findings reveal essential trends, opportunities for improvement, and product development directions that can help vendors stay ahead of the curve in meeting the needs of healthcare providers.

1. EHR System Usability Remains a Top Priority
When asked about the functionalities that are most important in their EHR systems, users consistently highlighted several features that contribute to both ease of use and efficiency. Scheduling appointments, accessing patient information, and managing clinical documentation were frequently mentioned as essential. In particular, several respondents expressed satisfaction with systems that offer easy access to past and future appointments, as well as tools that streamline clinical documentation, such as customizable templates and quick note-taking features.

Takeaway for Product Development: Intuitive usability should be a focal point for EHR vendors. Systems that allow for easy navigation, quick access to patient data, and seamless documentation are essential. Customizable features that allow users to adapt the system to their specific workflow will be highly valued, particularly in smaller organizations or those with diverse clinician needs.

2. Patient Portals: A Clear Demand for Access
A significant portion of survey respondents expressed a desire for enhanced patient portal functionalities. Many users noted that while their current EHR systems provide some form of patient access, they would like to see more comprehensive portals that allow patients to view their medical records, test results, and even schedule appointments.

For instance, one respondent mentioned they were very happy with their current system but felt the ability for patients to view their medical records online would further improve their experience. In another case, a respondent requested a better selection of customizable reports, including those available through patient portals.

Takeaway for Product Development: Prioritizing patient portal functionality can significantly enhance the user experience. Ensuring portals are secure, easy to navigate, and offer robust access to records, results, and scheduling capabilities will make systems more attractive to healthcare providers looking to improve patient engagement.

3. Mobile and Telehealth Integration are Growing Necessities
As healthcare continues to embrace telemedicine, the ability to integrate video calls and other remote communication tools within the EHR system is becoming increasingly important. Multiple survey respondents mentioned the need for video call capabilities and enhanced communication tools with patients, particularly for telehealth services. Some also expressed frustration with the lack of integration between telemedicine platforms and their EHR systems.

Takeaway for Product Development: Developing seamless telemedicine integration within EHR and billing systems should be a high priority. Vendors should aim to create an integrated experience where telehealth services, video calls, and patient communication tools are all available within a single platform, reducing the need for multiple systems and improving provider efficiency.

4. Simplifying Billing and Claims Processes
Many respondents noted that while their EHR systems were functional for clinical tasks, billing and insurance processes could be streamlined. Features such as automated claim submission, easy access to billing histories, and integration with insurance systems were frequently mentioned as areas for improvement. Some respondents indicated that they were unsure of how their current billing systems functioned or felt that they lacked the features needed to support their organization’s needs.

Takeaway for Product Development: Simplifying the billing and claims process is critical. Users want automated features that can reduce administrative burden and increase accuracy, including integration with insurance systems and the ability to submit claims directly from the EHR system.

5. Security and Privacy Concerns Are Top of Mind
Given the sensitive nature of healthcare data, security is always a top concern. A few respondents specifically mentioned issues like phishing threats and concerns about privacy in their EHR systems. Features like secure messaging, data encryption, and easy-to-use privacy controls were seen as essential to improving user confidence in their systems.

Takeaway for Product Development: Strengthening data security and privacy features within the system should remain a high priority. Ensuring that sensitive patient information is protected from cyber threats and providing users with robust security tools will enhance overall trust in the system.

6. Room for Improvement in Task Management and Customization
While many users expressed satisfaction with their systems, a recurring theme in the survey feedback was the need for better task management tools. Some respondents mentioned the challenges of managing multiple tasks across different clinicians or needing clearer to-do lists for providers. These inefficiencies can result in confusion or missed tasks, leading to administrative frustration.

Takeaway for Product Development: Investing in task management features, such as clearer to-do lists, customizable workflows, and multi-clinician scheduling options, would provide significant value. Systems that allow providers to easily track and assign tasks and organize their daily workflows will improve overall efficiency.

7. Desire for Enhanced Integration Capabilities
Several respondents noted issues with integrating external systems into their EHR platforms, such as lab result integration or sending and receiving documents with other providers. Ensuring that your EHR platform integrates smoothly with third-party systems, like laboratories, pharmacies, and other medical providers, is critical for a truly connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.

Takeaway for Product Development: Improved interoperability should be a focus in 2024. Systems that can seamlessly exchange data with other healthcare platforms, including labs, pharmacies, and external providers, will be critical for ensuring a complete and comprehensive patient record.

Final Thoughts: Evolving with the Needs of Healthcare Providers
The feedback gathered from our 2024 survey highlights several key priorities for healthcare IT product development. By focusing on usability, patient portal enhancements, telehealth integration, billing simplification, security, and interoperability, EHR and billing vendors can create solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for smarter, more efficient, and more connected technology will only increase. Vendors who listen to their users, continuously improve their systems, and stay ahead of emerging trends will be well-positioned to support the healthcare community in the years to come.

At STJ Business, we’ll continue to track these trends and provide insights to help our clients make informed decisions about their IT strategies. Stay tuned for more updates on how Health IT is shaping the future of healthcare.

 
Join the Conversation:

What functionalities do you find most critical in your EHR or billing system? Are there any features you wish existed to improve your practice’s efficiency? Share your thoughts with us!