What does the term 'interoperability' refer to in electronic health records?

Interoperability in the context of electronic health records (EHR) refers to the ability of different systems to communicate with each other effectively. This capability is crucial in healthcare as it allows for seamless sharing and integration of health information across various platforms and providers. When systems are interoperable, healthcare professionals can access a patient's complete medical history, regardless of where or how it was documented, thus improving the quality of care and ensuring that decisions are based on comprehensive and accurate information.

The importance of interoperability cannot be overstated in today’s digital healthcare environment, where patients may receive care from multiple providers and facilities. The ability for disparate systems to exchange and use information enhances coordination of care, reduces the risk of errors, and facilitates a more efficient healthcare system overall.

In contrast, the other choices reflect different aspects of health information technology that do not specifically define interoperability. For example, handling large volumes of data is related to scalability rather than communication between systems. Running multiple applications pertains more to system capabilities than the interaction of different systems. Compliance with regulatory frameworks involves meeting legal requirements, which is separate from the technical ability to share and integrate information. Thus, the focus on the communication aspect in the correct answer underlines the essential nature of interoperability in electronic health records.