Application of a user experience design approach for an EHR-based clinical decision support system

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Clinical decision support (CDS) tools are crucial for managing pediatric asthma.
• Understanding physician workflows and decision-making is key to improving CDS tool usability.
• Existing tools may not fully address the diverse needs and challenges faced by physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply a user experience (UX) design approach to develop a CDS tool for pediatric asthma.
• To understand physicians' workflows, decision-making processes, barriers, and facilitators in pediatric asthma management.
• To enhance the usability and increase the uptake of CDS tools.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews and surveys.
• Physician journey maps and personas were developed based on interview data.
• Data synthesis involved coding interviews to identify user goals, system interactions, and experiences.

Main Results:

• Three physician end-user personas were identified: efficiency, relationship, and learning.
• Desired features for asthma CDS tools varied by practice type and persona.
• Physicians valued tools that reduced workflow friction, improved the clinical environment, and served as teaching aids. Customizability was a key consideration.

Conclusions:

• A UX design approach effectively captures diverse physician values and motivations regarding EHR and CDS tool interaction.
• Tailoring CDS tools, such as offering customizable modules, can improve end-user preference and adoption.
• Implementing UX principles in CDS development is essential for meeting physician needs and increasing tool uptake.