Which of the following factors affect the usability of an electronic health record (EHR) system in a healthcare facility?

• A. All of the above
• B. Screen display
• C. Software design
• D. Workflow

Answer: (A)

Usability is shaped by how information is presented, how the software is built, and how well the system fits clinicians’ actual work. The screen display matters because readability, color contrast, font size, and the layout of information directly affect how quickly and accurately a clinician can find and enter data. A cluttered or hard-to-read screen increases cognitive load, slows task completion, and raises the risk of mistakes.

Software design matters because consistent navigation, predictable controls, meaningful feedback, and efficient workflows reduce clicks and errors. If the interface behaves inconsistently or requires extraneous actions, users become frustrated, task times go up, and the likelihood of mistakes rises.

Workflow alignment matters because the EHR should support the clinician’s real sequence of tasks during patient care. When the system interrupts the natural flow or introduces steps that don’t match everyday practice, it disrupts care delivery and increases cognitive burden.

Because each of these elements influences how easily and safely a clinician can use an EHR, usability is determined by all of them together.