Considering social ergonomics: the effects of HIT on interpersonal relationships between patients and clinicians

This study explored physicians' interactions with EHRs to understand the qualities that contribute to patient satisfaction with their use of the technologies and patient satisfaction with physician. Video-taped observations of 100 medical consultations were used to distinguish interaction patterns between physicians and EHRs. Quantified observational methods were used to contribute to ecological validity. Ten primary care physicians and 100 patients from five clinics participated in the study. Visits were videotaped and coded using an objective coding methodology to understand how physicians interacted with electronic health records. Results indicate, a variety of EHR interaction styles may be effective in providing patient-centered care.