JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The needs of the emergency department (ED) pose unique challenges to modern electronic health records (EHR) systems. A diverse case load of high acuity, high complexity presentations and ambulatory patients, all requiring multiple transitions of care, creates a rich environment through which to critically examine EHRs.

Objective:

This investigation aims to capture and analyze the perspective of end-users of electronic health records about the strengths, limitations, and future priorities for electronic health records in the setting of the emergency department.

Methods:

In the first phase of this investigation, a literature search was conducted to identify five key usage categories of ED EHRs. Using key usage categories in the first phase, a modified Delphi study was conducted with a group of twelve panelists with expertise in both emergency medicine and health informatics. Across three rounds of surveys, panelists generated and refined a list of strengths, limitations, and key priorities.

Results:

Findings from this investigation highlighted the preference of panelists for features maximizing functionality of basic clinical features relative to features of disruptive innovation.

Conclusions:

By capturing the perspectives of end-users in the ED, this investigation highlights areas for improvement or development of future EHRs in acute care settings.