Assessment of electronic health record usability with undergraduate nursing students

Health information technology (HIT), and specifically electronic health records (EHR), are recognized as fundamental tools for collecting, storing, retrieving, and monitoring patient care and information. However, few schools of nursing have incorporated theoretical or practical aspects of HIT competencies within the educational curriculum. The purpose of this study was to conduct a usability assessment to explore undergraduate nursing student electronic health record documentation knowledge and skill, using a patient case scenario to inform the development of an informatics-based undergraduate nursing curriculum. Three themes were identified: "Being a Novice User/Practitioner," "Confidentiality and Security," and "Repetition and Practice." Integration of the EHR into nursing curriculum will allow students an EHR apprenticeship with the potential to enhance understanding and skill of nursing processes, documentation, and critical thinking. Findings will also guide teaching and learning strategies that will respond to rising expectations for competency with health information technology.