Blog Journal entry 3

Meesha Carey- Module 3

Standardization Needed for EHR User Interfaces. By Robert Budman, MD (2015). Retrieved from http://www.clinical-innovation.com/topics/ehr-emr/standardization-needed-ehr-user-interfaces

Why was this article, blog, post, or multimedia chosen?

This article was chosen because it addresses safety concerns for patient’s due to lack of standardization for EHR. This is a huge concern for physicians in hospitals as they may have multiple patients in different facilities with different EHRs. A physician may be familiar with one EHR at a facility but struggle to locate and enter information in another EHR at another facility. Workflows in the facilities may be different which may pose a concern for some physicians, especially those with limited training and software experience.

What makes it interesting, appropriate, or reputable?

I would say this article is reputable as it was written by a physician, Dr. Robert Budman, who is the CMIO of Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Ariz. He refers to himself as an experienced EHR user.

Is it an opinion? Case study? Research study? Product review?

The article seems to be based on Dr Budman’s experience working in different hospital facilities and working with different workflows. He mentions using several different systems, workflows and interfaces.

What was the need, problem, issue or trend addressed in the article, blog, post, or multimedia?

The problem addressed in the article is for health care professionals to be able to thoroughly master multiple complex EHRs. Another problem is that the workflows and interfaces may not be the same is every facility which may present a challenge to physicians. Ultimately this can affect patient safety.

What was the solution for which technology had an answer?

The solution was to ensure that each user gets adequate training, support and reinforcement in his or her specific workflow.

What implications might this have in healthcare delivery?

The biggest and most important implication this might have on healthcare delivery is better quality patient care and maintaining patient safety.

What did you learn from it that might have application for your practice?

I learned that it’s important to have standardization for your EHR. Not all facilities have the same workflows and interfaces. Although you may be able to use the workflow in the area you are working in, if you were to be sent to cover another area, or see patient’s in a different facility, you may not understand the workflows in that facility. This may cause you to enter incorrect information that could jeopardize your patients.