Key capabilities of an electronic health record system

First Review

This is a review of the report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Key capabilities of an electronic health record system.

Background and Purpose

In this report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Institute of Medicine clarifies the key capabilities of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. A functional model of these capabilities are necessary for achievement of nationwide strategies to promote widespread adoption of EHR systems and interoperability across multiple organizations and providers. A common set of functional capabilities informs software development and assists decision making during acquisition of an EHR.

Discussion

Identification of core EHR functions was driven by the need to fulfill the following key criteria: improve patient safety; support effective care delivery; manage chronic illness; improve process efficiency; and determine implementation feasibility.

The eight core functions are as follows:

• Health information and data
• Results management
• Order entry/management
• Decision support
• Electronic communication and connectivity
• Patient support (e.g., education, preventive care)
• Administrative processes (e.g., scheduling, claims processing)
• Reporting & population health management

Conclusion

This set of core functions should assist providers and vendors in efforts to implement EHR systems. Addressing each of the functional areas and the underlying criteria should help to build a comprehensive foundation for clinical information systems allowing providers to improve delivery of care and enable patients to become active participants in their care plans.

Comments

Providers with a safety-net role face multiple barriers to EHR adoption such as lack of funding and leadership support as well as policy constraints. This report is useful for building a case for the need for EHR implementation and achieving leadership buy-in.

Second Review

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