Optimizing electronic health records: Integration of human factors engineering for enhanced pathology report display and accessibility.

Abstract

Objective: The integration of human factors engineering (HFE) into electronic health records (EHRs) is essential to enhance the display and accessibility of pathology reports. Pathology testing is central to clinical decision-making, yet the current EHR interfaces present challenges in test ordering and result interpretation, contributing to diagnostic errors. This study explores the application of HFE principles to redesign EHR visual displays, specifically for HIV and urine toxicology testing.

Methods: By involving pathologists and clinicians in the design process, we developed user-centric templates that improve result clarity and accessibility. We also describe case examples of one successful template prototype implementation and one where technical barriers highlight limitations of applying user-centered design within the constraints of EHR and Laboratory Information System applications. The redesigned reports emphasize critical information through standardized color codes and organized data presentation, making nonstandard findings more prominent.

Discussion: These interventions have the potential to create improved clinician comprehension and workflow efficiency, ultimately supporting better patient care. The study highlights the importance of incorporating HFE principles into EHR design and advocates for broader adoption to enhance usability and safety in health care settings.

Conclusions: Further collaboration with regulatory bodies could establish standardized guidelines, fostering more effective EHR systems across the industry.