Which objective relates to the effective use of electronic health records in clinical practices?

The concept of "meaningful use" is a critical component in the effective utilization of electronic health records (EHR) within clinical practices. This objective was established as part of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, aiming to promote the adoption of EHRs by ensuring that they are used in ways that improve patient care and streamline healthcare processes.

Meaningful use encompasses a set of criteria that healthcare providers must meet to qualify for financial incentives from the government. These criteria include improving care coordination, enhancing patient engagement, and ensuring the privacy and security of patient data. By adhering to these standards, providers can leverage EHRs to significantly improve clinical workflows, facilitate better communication among healthcare teams, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

In contrast, while machine learning may contribute to data analysis and predictive modeling within healthcare, it does not specifically address the framework for using EHRs in clinical settings. Learning theory pertains to how individuals acquire knowledge but is not directly tied to the operational use of health records. The master person index is a database that maintains unique identifiers for patients but is again not centered on the overarching goals of effective EHR usage in clinical practice. Therefore, meaningful use stands out as the primary objective focused on optimizing the benefits