Electronic health record: design and implementation of a lab test request module

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Laboratory Medicine
• Public Health Systems

Background:

• Electronic health records (EHRs) are crucial in healthcare, with lab test ordering being a frequent user request.
• A unified lab test request module was developed and implemented in Andalusia's public health system EHR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a unified lab test module on healthcare activities.
• To determine if the module's design meets user needs and expectations.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed laboratory and healthcare professionals regarding module operation and impact.
• Evaluated pre- and post-implementation quality indicators.

Main Results:

• Laboratories reported improved analytical processes, patient identification safety, fewer errors, and shorter response times.
• Clinical professionals rated the module 7.8/10, praising result delivery speed and EHR integration.
• Identified drawbacks include module rigidity and the need for nomenclature adaptation and expanded coding.

Conclusions:

• The lab test module's functional design meets user needs, integrating multi-laboratory data within a region.
• Key success factors included a user-centered design, laboratory involvement, and adequate piloting before widespread rollout.