Suboptimal EHRs linked to adverse nurse, patient outcomes

Employing electronic health records (EHRs) with suboptimal usability was associated with higher odds of adverse nurse job outcomes and poorer surgical patient outcomes and readmission, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. The investigators looked at measures of nurse burnout, job dissatisfaction and intention to leave and at rates of inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission. The study has implications for nurse turnover and its associated costs, wrote the authors. The findings could also help EHR vendors and hospital leadership teams better understand the critical importance of nurse involvement in developing, selecting, implementing and modifying EHR systems. (Newswise news release, 4/27/21)