Interactions - November/December 2011

in Troduc Tion | SPeciaL ToPic FeaTure

includes numerous developers of EMRs presents an interesting challenge: In the face of this diversity, what does it mean to say that an electronic medical record is usable? Purchasing and evaluation decisions and the development of improved designs would benefit greatly from detailed reports allowing comparisons between alternatives. Informative reports would describe how well systems prevent user error, provide effective decision support, and help clinicians interpret complex clinical data. Standardized reporting formats such as the National Institute for Standards and Technology’s Common Industry Format might be used to describe results, but meaningful comparisons will require adoption of common testing protocols. Vendors, regulators, and purchasers working together to develop such shared metrics would provide valuable momentum toward the stated goal of meaningful use of EMRs.

The widespread adoption of EMRs into the mainstream of medical care is a complex endeavor, involving numerous perspectives and raising many policy and technical questions. The three articles in this section touch on a few current issues, illustrating some of the challenges faced by developers and designers working in different contexts across the globe. One thing is certain: Usability will play a key role in the safety, efficacy, and success of medical informatics.