Pediatric Electronic Health Records Need Features Different From Adult Records, Experts Say in AHRQ Report

A new report from AHRQ examines features needed in pediatric electronic health records (EHRs) to ensure quality care for children. The report scanned scientific literature and gathered expert consensus on EHRs used in the care of children. Child health care providers stated that they need access to EHRs with special features to assure the delivery of quality care to pediatric patients. These features relate to a child’s evolving physiology, maturity and associated conditions not found in EHRs used for adult patients. Key EHR functionalities for consideration include the ability to build and maintain vaccination records, record growth and development data, calculate weight and age-based medication dosing, manage pediatric diseases, identify pediatric norms such as developmental milestones and document the relationship between pediatric patients and their parents and caregivers.

Technical Brief - Final – May 1, 2015