With the massive digitization of healthcare delivery, doctors now use various devices to process patient records. Today, almost all doctors have to interact with an Electronic Medical Record Interface.
However, these EHRs have brought on many challenges, and one is the arduous data entry on cluttered interfaces. Many EHRs force physicians to adapt to tedious data capture tasks, especially out-of-the-box brands. This increases stress and mental strain, making it difficult for physicians to spend adequate time with their patients.
EHRs are supposed to:
- Increase operational efficiency
- Boost physician productivity
- Lower the cost of providing care
- Improve the outcome of care
Suppose you have an EHR in place and it is not producing these and other benefits. In that case, it may be time to develop a custom electronic medical record interface for your practice or organization. This article will discuss the steps to creating effective EHR interfaces.
1. Plan Your Interface Development
Every project that must succeed has to have a detailed plan. Building interfaces for your EHR is no exception.
During the planning phase, you have to answer questions like:
- What’s the main goal for implementing this EMR interface?
- Who will use this new EMR interface?
- What data will the users capture, and what data will they need to retrieve?
- What are the deliverables for this project?
- What is the delivery date for the project?
- How will we judge this project to be successful?
These questions will shape the project scope. Also, if you intend to work with an EHR development agency, your detailed plan will enable them to deliver quicker results.
2. Create Your Prototype
An EMR is a multi-user system with multiple interfaces, apps, and plug-ins. Clinicians, accountants, and administrators can use the EMR in various ways.
Each user group may also need to access the EMR platform on different devices. For instance, doctors will use laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
You need to create a prototype interface for each user group and access device. Each interface must provide functionality with minimal clicks and fit perfectly in a browser or native app (for tablets and smartphones).
3. Review the Prototype With Users
Let representatives of each user group view and assess each interface. Choose at least one tech-savvy user and one who is not.
You can use wireframe software to create a fluid prototype that will move from one screen to another. The mockup will have user interface elements that respond to user clicks.
Ask the users to work with the interface the same way they will use the EMR. Ideally, each interface shouldn’t have more than seven elements so users can get work done with a few clicks.
4. Code the Prototype
You need to have a team that can code your interface efficiently. The team may consist of:
- Front-end developers
- Back end developers
- API developers
- UI designers
- Product/project manager
- Quality Assurance engineers
Your team members must have sufficient experience working with EHR solutions. An EHR is a mission-critical system that will enhance or disrupt care delivery.
5. Do Quality Assurance
Testing is an essential aspect of interface development, and each interface must be tested thoroughly before making a final release.
QA engineers must test your interface code in all possible ways. If it breaks, the developers will have to fix its bugs.
After the interface passes the QA tests, it may be released to users. However, the development cycle will continue with support and maintenance.
Let’s Help You Develop a Custom Electronic Medical Record Interface
Lifepoint Informatics has the expertise and experience you need to build any EHR interface. Contact us now at 877.522.8378, or go to our contact page to book a free consultation or demo of our custom EMR interface solution.