Health Information Technology

Two New Reports from NIST Deliver Guidance on EHR Usability

Two new publications from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are intended to help developers of software and computer systems improve the ease of use of electronic health records (EHRs). Efforts to improve the usability of EHRs are widely recognized as key to achieving widespread adoption and meaningful use of these systems. Select to access each report:



1. NIST Guide to the Processes Approach for Improving the Usability of Electronic Health Records (NISTIR 7741) (PDF file; PDF help) [http://www.nist.gov/itl/hit/upload/Guide_Final_Publication_Version.pdf]

2. Customized Common Industry Format Template for Electronic Health Record Usability Testing (NISTIR 7742) (PDF file; PDF help). [http://www.nist.gov/itl/hit/upload/LowryNISTIR-7742Customized_CIF_Template_for_EHR_Usability_Testing_Publicationl_Version-doc.pdf]

In addition, a recent AHRQ report identified gaps in the processes and practices used by EHR vendors to ensure the usability of their products. The report highlighted the lack of standard approaches and formats for testing and reporting usability of EHR products across the industry. Select to access the AHRQ report (PDF file; PDF help). For questions about the NIST reports, please contact Ben Stein (bstein@nist.gov; 301-975-3097).
Health Information Technology