Evaluation of a Physician Informatics Tool to Improve Patient Handoffs

• DOI: 10.1197/jamia.m2892
• Publication Date: 2009-04-23T21:55:14Z
• Authors: M. E. Flanagan; E. S. Patterson; R. M. Frankel; B. N. Doebbeling
• Keywords: Electronic health record; Patient record; Health information technology

OBJECTIVE To facilitate patient handoffs between physicians, the computerized handoff tool (PHT) extracts information from electronic health record to populate a form that is printed and given cross-cover physician. OBJECTIVES were to: (1) evaluate rate at which data elements of interest extracted into PHT, (2) assess frequency for needing beyond contained in PHT where obtained, (3) physician's perceptions (4) identify opportunities improvement. DESIGN Observational study. MEASUREMENTS This multi-method study included content coding forms, end shift surveys resident semi-structured interviews Thirty-five 42 internal medicine physicians participated. Measures included: 1264 forms coded type information, 63 end-of-shift residents (residents could participate 2 times), 18 interviews. RESULTS For objective 1, identifiers medications reliably (>98%). Other types information-allergies code status-were more variable (<50%). 2, nearly quarter respondents required physician notes not available PHT. 3, found supported but indicated it often excluded assessment plan. 4, suggested including treatment plans. CONCLUSIONS The record. Respondents be suitable, although improvement identified.