Dataset Information

Characterizing and Visualizing Display and Task Fragmentation in the Electronic Health Record: Mixed Methods Design.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The complexity of health care data and workflow presents challenges to the study of usability in electronic health records (EHRs). Display fragmentation refers to the distribution of relevant data across different screens or otherwise far apart, requiring complex navigation for the user's workflow. Task and information fragmentation also contribute to cognitive burden. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to define and analyze some of the main sources of fragmentation in EHR user interfaces (UIs); discuss relevant theoretical, historical, and practical considerations; and use granular microanalytic methods and visualization techniques to help us understand the nature of fragmentation and opportunities for EHR optimization or redesign. METHODS:Sunburst visualizations capture the EHR navigation structure, showing levels and sublevels of the navigation tree, allowing calculation of a new measure, the Display Fragmentation Index. Time belt visualizations present the sequences of subtasks and allow calculation of proportion per instance, a measure that quantifies task fragmentation. These measures can be used separately or in conjunction to compare EHRs as well as tasks and subtasks in workflows and identify opportunities for reductions in steps and fragmentation. We present an example use of the methods for comparison of 2 different EHR interfaces (commercial and composable) in which subjects apprehend the same patient case. RESULTS:Screen transitions were substantially reduced for the composable interface (from 43 to 14), whereas clicks (including scrolling) remained similar. CONCLUSIONS:These methods can aid in our understanding of UI needs under complex conditions and tasks to optimize EHR workflows and redesign.

SUBMITTER: Senathirajah Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7641790 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Characterizing and Visualizing Display and Task Fragmentation in the Electronic Health Record: Mixed Methods Design.

Senathirajah Yalini Y Kaufman David R DR Cato Kenrick D KD Borycki Elizabeth M EM Fawcett Jaime Allen JA Kushniruk Andre W AW

JMIR human factors 20201021 4

<h4>Background</h4>The complexity of health care data and workflow presents challenges to the study of usability in electronic health records (EHRs). Display fragmentation refers to the distribution of relevant data across different screens or otherwise far apart, requiring complex navigation for the user's workflow. Task and information fragmentation also contribute to cognitive burden.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aims to define and analyze some of the main sources of fragmentation in EHR user ...[more]

PMID: 33084580

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Children with health insurance have increased access to healthcare and receive higher quality care. However, despite recent initiatives expanding children's coverage, many remain uninsured. New technologies present opportunities for helping clinics provide enrollment support for patients. We developed and tested electronic health record (EHR)-based tools to help clinics provide children's insurance assistance. METHODS:We used mixed methods to understand tool adoption, and to assess impact of tool use on insurance coverage, healthcare utilization, and receipt of recommended care. We conducted intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses comparing pediatric patients in 4 intervention clinics (n?=?15,024) to those at 4 matched control clinics (n?=?12,227). We conducted effect-of-treatment-on-the-treated (ETOT) analyses comparing intervention clinic patients with tool use (n?=?2240) to intervention clinic patients without tool use (n?=?12,784). RESULTS:Tools were used for only 15% of eligible patients. Qualitative data indicated that tool adoption was limited by: (1) concurrent initiatives that duplicated the work associated with the tools, and (2) inability to obtain accurate insurance coverage data and end dates. The ITT analyses showed that intervention clinic patients had higher odds of gaining insurance coverage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]?=?1.32, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.14-1.51) and lower odds of losing coverage (aOR?=?0.77, 95%CI 0.68-0.88), compared to control clinic patients. Similarly, ETOT findings showed that intervention clinic patients with tool use had higher odds of gaining insurance (aOR?=?1.83, 95%CI 1.64-2.04) and lower odds of losing coverage (aOR?=?0.70, 95%CI 0.53-0.91), compared to patients without tool use. The ETOT analyses also showed higher rates of receipt of return visits, well-child visits, and several immunizations among patients for whom the tools were used. CONCLUSIONS:This pragmatic trial, the first to evaluate EHR-based insurance assistance tools, suggests that it is feasible to create and implement tools that help clinics provide insurance enrollment support to pediatric patients. While ITT findings were limited by low rates of tool use, ITT and ETOT findings suggest tool use was associated with better odds of gaining and keeping coverage. Further, ETOT findings suggest that use of such tools may positively impact healthcare utilization and quality of pediatric care. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02298361 ; retrospectively registered on November 5, 2014.

Project description:IntroductioneHealth strategies targeting health-related behaviour often incorporate persuasive software design. To further engage patients with their overall health management, consumer-facing web portals may be integrated with data from one or more care providers. This study aimed to explore effectiveness for healthier behaviour of persuasive design characteristics within a web application integrated with the primary health care electronic record; also patient and general practitioner (GP) preferences for future integrated records.MethodsMixed methods study within the Consumer Navigation of Electronic Cardiovascular Tools randomised controlled trial. Participants were patients with moderate-high risk of cardiovascular disease, and their GPs. Survey and web analytic data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Interview and focus group transcripts were recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed for themes.ResultsSurveys (n = 397) received from patients indicated improved medication adherence (31.8%); improved mental health and well-being (40%); higher physical activity (47%); and healthier eating (61%). Users of the interactive features reported benefiting from personalised cardiovascular disease risk score (73%); goal tracking (69%); risk factor self-monitoring (52%) and receipt of motivational health tips (54%). Focus group and interview participants (n = 55) described customisations that would increase portal appeal and relevance, including more provider interaction. Of the GP survey respondents (n = 38), 74% reported increased patient attendance and engagement with their care. For future integrated portals, 94% of GPs were in favour and key themes among interviewees (n = 17) related to design optimisation, impact on workflow and data security.ConclusionIntervention features reflecting the persuasive design categories of Primary Task support, Dialogue support and System Credibility support facilitated healthier lifestyle behaviour. Patients valued customisable functions and greater patient-provider interactivity. GPs identified system challenges but saw advantages for patients and the health care relationship. Future studies could further elucidate the persuasive design principles that are at play and which may promote adoption of EHR-integrated consumer portals.

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Dataset Information

Characterizing and Visualizing Display and Task Fragmentation in the Electronic Health Record: Mixed Methods Design.

Publications

Characterizing and Visualizing Display and Task Fragmentation in the Electronic Health Record: Mixed Methods Design.

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