To investigate interactions between acute care surgery (ACS) teams and electronic health record (EHR) systems, focusing on data access, interpretation, and incorporation into decision-making.
Approach:
Ethnographic Study: Conducted over 6 months at an academic teaching hospital, observing ACS teams and their use of EHRs.
Key Findings:
ACS surgeons spend 60% more time on EHRs compared to their peers, contributing to burnout.
EHR implementation faces challenges such as inadequate data standardization and interoperability.
Current workflows and engagement patterns with EHRs may hinder effective decision-making in high-stakes situations.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for EHR systems to better align with the realities of frontline surgical care to support decision-making.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a single academic teaching hospital, which may affect generalizability.
Findings are based on qualitative data, which may be subject to interpretation bias.
Conclusion:
Understanding the integration of EHRs in ACS workflows is essential for optimizing their use in clinical practice.
