Enhancing Human-Computer Interaction in Healthcare: Optimizing UI/UX Design for Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems

Abstract

Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems are critical components of modern healthcare, providing digital platforms for managing patient information, streamlining clinical workflows, and supporting medical decision-making. However, despite their widespread adoption, EHR systems often suffer from poor user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, leading to significant challenges such as increased cognitive load, workflow disruption, user dissatisfaction, and even the risk of medical errors. This paper addresses the need to optimize the UI/UX of EHR systems by examining the core human-computer interaction (HCI) issues that healthcare professionals face when interacting with these systems. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing EHR design practices, common usability flaws, and user feedback, we identify key pain points, including complex navigation, inefficient task flows, and lack of customization. We propose design improvements based on HCI principles, such as task-oriented interfaces, minimalistic design to reduce cognitive load, and better alignment with clinical workflows to enhance usability. The study emphasizes the importance of a user-centered design approach that actively involves healthcare professionals in the design process, ensuring that EHR systems support the efficiency, accuracy, and safety needed in healthcare environments. The findings of this research suggest that by focusing on intuitive and efficient UI/UX design, EHR systems can better serve the needs of clinicians, reduce burnout, and contribute to improved patient outcomes.