Electronic health record nudges to optimize guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure.

Abstract

Electronic health record (EHR) alert nudges are emerging as a valuable tool for improving heart failure (HF) management, particularly by enhancing the use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). These nudges, integrated as clinical decision support (CDS) tools within EHR systems, provide real-time, evidence-based prompts that assist clinicians in making informed treatment decisions at critical moments in patient care. Studies have shown that targeted alerts can improve GDMT adherence and outcomes. Designing effective nudges requires aligning alert content, timing, and format with clinician workflows to reduce alert fatigue and enhance usability. Furthermore, involving clinicians in the design process helps ensure alerts are relevant, context-sensitive, and integrated smoothly into practice. EHR nudges present an innovative approach to bridging quality gaps in HF care by encouraging timely interventions and adherence to best practices, but their efficacy depends on thoughtful implementation. Future research is needed to refine alert strategies, optimize their impact on clinical outcomes, and explore their role across diverse healthcare settings, ultimately advancing the potential of EHR nudges to improve HF care quality.