Next steps for electronic health records to improve the diagnostic process

Electronic health record (EHR) usage is accelerating while preventable diagnostic error persists. EHRs may even contribute to diagnostic error through several pathways including poor usability and an over reliance on electronic chart based communication. The changing context of healthcare delivery offers potential financial incentives for organizations to leverage EHRs to reduce diagnostic error. The lack of standard quality metrics for reporting rates of diagnostic error, a lack of diagnostic feedback systems for physicians and organizations, and a lack of compelling evidence for specific interventions underscore the need for further research in preventing diagnostic error. Many potential strategies exist for EHRs to reduce the likelihood of diagnostic error. Practical next steps for leveraging EHR systems to assist in the diagnostic process are suggested. These include patient engagement strategies, closed loop result tracking, targeted next step reminder systems, and expansion of a list of actionable patient states based on diagnosis triggers.