Electronic health record (EHR) usability

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By: Hatem Mohammad Hussain

Agenda • What is Usability ?

• Why usability is Important?

• The EHR Promise

• Usability definition, importance.

• Usability principles

• Usability challenges

• Usability and ergonomics

• Usability Evaluation

• Usability and security

• Organization Involved.

What is EHR Usability ? [HIMSS

Conference]

• It Means that I can use the electronic health record (EHR) easily , which achieved when EHR is Effective ,Efficient and Satisfying for users.

• Usability Means:

EHR is Learnable , Efficient , Memorable , Error Free , and Satisfying.

Why Usability is Important ?

The EHR Promise

Why Usability is Important ?

• EHR Adoption Barriers [User Centric]

1- Cost of implementation.

2-Security and privacy.

3-Usability issues

E.g.

- System is difficult to learn.

- Data Entry time.

- Workflow and information processing problems.

Usability Types [NIST EMR / EHR Usability Workshop]

key principles that directly impact EHR usability [HIMSS]

1- Simplicity

Simplicity means inclusion of only those functionalities, features and information that is relevant for the user in the context of completing a task.

2-Learnability:

Learnability is critical to clinical applications since it is extremely difficult to provide extensive

training, especially to clinicians whose time is limited.

key principles that directly impact EMR usability - 2

3- Consistency:

Using themes, navigational models, or icons which users are already familiar with, or have used somewhere; so that it’s easier for users to relate.

4- Minimizing Cognitive Load:

In simple terms it means “don't make users think”. This is even more important for clinicians, as they are almost always performing under significant time pressure and in environments bursting with multiple demands for their attention. So provide them appropriate guidance and instruction about the task in hand.

key principles that directly impact EMR usability - 3

5- Efficient Interactions:

efficient user interactions to minimize the number of steps it takes to complete tasks and to provide shortcuts for use to frequent and/or experienced users.

6- Error Handling and Feedback:

The application should provide appropriate feedback to the users to minimize the chances of critical error

7- Effective Use of Language:

All language and terminology used in an EMR should be concise, familiar and meaningful to the end users in the context of their work.

key principles that directly impact EMR usability - 4

8- Information Architecture, Data Visualization and Presentation:

reduce information overload by providing summary with drill down option wherever

possible.

Research shows that 80% of the time, the information (if well organized) is adequate for clinical decision making.

Usability Challenges

- Administrative, Financial, medical data and clinical information from different physicians disciplines in one system which often use different software interfaces.

• “Good EHRs include the user from the beginning, from concept development through all stages of the design cycle until the end,”

• User + designer + developer

Reference:http://www.poweryourpractice.com/practice-management/ehr-usability-defined-designed/

Usability and ergonomics

Usability and Security

- Usability interference with security issues should be considered under information security department supervision.

E.G

Long and complicated passwords is more secure than short passwords but on the other hand it is difficult to be remembered.

Usability Organizations involved

• HIMSS

• CCHIT

• NIST (national institute of standards and technology)

• Private sectors

Usability Evaluation

One size doesn't fits all

Evaluate as a :

1. Vendor

2. Buyer

3. Implementation stage

4. Go live stage

Thank you for your attention We Welcome your questions, comments and Suggestion at

hatemhussain@yahoo.com