Usability – defined as the extent to which technology can be used efficiently, effectively and satisfactorily – associates with patient safety and quality of care. In addition, usability contributes substantially to clinicians’ satisfaction on their electronic health record (EHR) systems.
EHRs are complex information systems by nature, which makes their design and evaluation challenging. Various end-user groups such as physicians, nurses, and increasingly patients as well, all have diverse needs and requirements relating to EHR functionality and usability.
In Finland EHRs are widely used both in public and private healthcare sectors. National usability-focused surveys have been developed and used since 2010 to monitor and support the development of the systems. Based on the results, there are differences between the EHR brands, however, the experiences of both main user groups, physicians and nurses, show dissatisfaction and emphasize the need for end-user participation in EHR development.