Which of the following best describes the impact of electronic health records on patient care?

The impact of electronic health records (EHRs) on patient care is most accurately described as enhancing quality by providing accurate patient information promptly. EHRs are designed to centralize patient data, making it easily accessible to healthcare providers. This immediate access to accurate and comprehensive patient information enables clinicians to make informed decisions quickly, ultimately improving the quality of care provided.

With EHRs, healthcare professionals can track patient history, medications, allergies, and other critical health information efficiently. This timely access reduces the risk of medical errors that could arise from relying on incomplete or outdated information. The ability to share data seamlessly across different healthcare settings also supports coordinated care, which is essential for better health outcomes.

The other options present scenarios that, while they may occur in some instances, do not reflect the primary purpose and outcome of EHR integration in patient care. For example, while information overload could be a challenge in certain situations, the fundamental goal of EHRs is to streamline information delivery, not to complicate it. Similarly, while some patients may experience less face-to-face interaction due to the efficiencies gained from digital records, EHRs are meant to enhance communication and engagement with patients, rather than diminish it. Thus, option C accurately encapsulates the overall