Authors' objectives: This project will summarize the state of the literature on pediatric EHR functionality, including whether a set of functionalities arise in the literature as more important than others, and the degree to which these functionalities have been evaluated. Secondarily, the report will assess the availability and penetration of specific pediatric EHR functionalities in systems and identify challenges to implementation. Information about desired functionalities will be reported in descriptive reports and in reports and documents in the grey literature. We do not anticipate a significant body of comparative literature assessing the potential benefits of pediatric EHR use. Thus, the technical brief format is ideal.

Authors' recommendations: While many of the key functionalities identified in this brief are not purely pediatric, their key role in the care of children in contrast to their minimal role for adults could mean they can get omitted in an EHR designed primarily for adult care. Incentives for developing pediatric functionalities for EHRs are currently driven by (1) meaningful use requirements and the patient-centered medical home; (2) a desire to support and maintain patient safety; and (3) the increasing presence of pediatric-specific clinical quality measures. Introducing a new pediatric functionality to an EHR should, therefore, be done thoughtfully and ideally is done in consideration of utility, testability, and usability principles. Understanding the importance of computability and specificity of guidelines as well as motivations for development of pediatric-specific functionalities provides further insight into how dissemination and development will be driven in the future.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/591/2070/pediatric-EHR-report-150417.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)