For the study, the researchers observed physicians’ workflows and analyzed timestamped data from EHRs at four outpatient ophthalmology clinics at OHSU. The researchers mapped their observations alongside the EHR data to determine whether these timestamps could effectively be used to predict ophthalmologists’ workflows.
The researchers determined EHR timestamps produced times within three minutes of the observed times for more than 80 percent of ophthalmology appointments.
“EHR timestamps provided a reasonable approximation of workflow and can be used for workflow studies,” the study authors wrote, suggesting future researchers use this type of data to create simulation models, analyze EHR use and quantify the impact of trainees on workflow.
More articles on EHRs:
Scribes improve ‘joy of practice’ among family physicians, study finds
DaVita to collaborate with Epic on chronic kidney disease EHR
U of Wisconsin Health CMIO: Copy-and-pasting in EHRs is a ‘blot on our profession’
