EHR Usability

Electronic medical record (EMR) adoption rates have been slower than expected in the United States, especially in comparison to other industry sectors and other developed countries. A key reason, aside from initial costs and lost productivity during EMR implementation, is lack of efficiency and usability of EMRs currently available. Achieving the healthcare reform goals of broad EMR adoption and “meaningful use” will require that efficiency and usability be effectively addressed at a fundamental level.

EHR Usability Task Force

Purpose: To provide HIMSS membership, vendors, and external organizations with education, tools, and best practices related to health IT (HIT) usability. HIMSS members recognize the opportunity to improve EHR usability and have developed several tools for industry education and use.

HIMSS EHR Usability Chair: Janey Barnes, PhD, User-View, Inc.

For more information on the Task Force contact Juanita Threat at jthreat@himss.org

Tune into the Task Force:

Discussion Topics and Tools:

Clinicians and Usability
Usability Evaluation
Usability Design Considerations
Industry Events
Industry Links

Taskforce Presentations:

Common Sense Nuts and Bolts of a Usable Robust EHR: Pointers & Pitfalls Overview of ONC Planned Efforts by Dr. K J Lee, May 1, 2012

Using Design Thinking To Create Patient-Centered Electronic Health Records by Abbe Don and Glen Moy, March 6, 2012

Industry Response: Position Statement on Patient Safety presented by Mary Kate Foley

EHR User Experience Survey: Tool Development and Pilot at Baylor Health Care System presented Yan Xiao, Sunni Barnes, Lindsey Philpot and Donald Kennerly

Baylor EHR User Experience Survey Tool

Accessibility of Electronic Health Record by Ed Summers, Nov 1, 2011