Implementing a user-friendly and intuitive electronic health record is the only way forward
On the day that the European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation enters into force, the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) publishes a new policy which highlights the essential features needed for electronic health records (EHR) systems to meet the needs of healthcare professionals.
CPME President Dr Ole Johan Bakke said “European doctors call on the healthcare software industry to accept the challenge of placing EHR systems on the market that are verifiably user-friendly and functional. We also call for cooperation with national authorities to ensure a seamless integration of EHDS functionalities without additional costs to the healthcare professional.
“We want an EHR that works for the patient and the healthcare professional. A better EHR is a better way of helping patients.”
Essential user-friendly features highlighted in the policy include:
Seamless integration with other clinical software, to avoid healthcare professionals manually retyping the same information over again in different EHR systems;
Automated clinical coding, using AI tools in background systems to quickly and accurately assign medical codes in the EHR to reduce the burden of coding and classifications for healthcare professionals.
CPME further recommends:
Standard metrics to measure the usability of EHR systems for effectiveness, efficiency and healthcare professional satisfaction, as well as documentation burden;
Information standards developed by healthcare professionals should be implemented by manufacturers.
CPME Vice President Dr Jacqueline Rossant-Lumbroso added “European doctors are concerned with the workload and economic burden digital tools place on healthcare professionals and on healthcare systems. Time spent with administrative and statistical data means less time spent with patients.
“The EDHS requires planning, preparation and strong collaboration from healthcare professionals at national and European level. Member States must involve national medical associations in a meaningful and transparent way to ensure it meets clinicians’ and patients' needs. CPME and its members are committed to make the EHDS work.”
Image iStock / Tero Vesalainen