Exploring Workarounds Related to Electronic Health Record System Usage: A Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Electronic health record (EHR) systems can impose workflow exceptions, leading healthcare providers to develop informal workarounds.
• These workarounds, while seemingly convenient, may compromise patient safety, care effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Understanding EHR workarounds is crucial for designing user-centered systems that align with clinical workflows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a study protocol for identifying EHR workarounds.
• To determine the scope and impact of these workarounds on provider workflows, patient safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• To gather insights for optimizing EHR design and mitigating negative consequences.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a mixed-methods approach combining direct observations and semistructured interviews.
• Employing qualitative coding techniques for the analysis and classification of identified EHR workarounds.
• Conducting the study within three distinct pediatric care settings at a university hospital.

Main Results:

• Data collection occurred between January 2016 and March 2017.
• Analysis of collected data is ongoing, with expected completion in May 2017.
• Study findings regarding EHR workaround scope and impact will be reported in a subsequent publication.

Conclusions:

• The proposed study protocol offers a comprehensive framework for investigating EHR workarounds.
• Findings will inform the design and redesign of EHR systems to better suit healthcare professionals' work contexts.
• This research aims to contribute to improved healthcare organization and safer patient care.