AHRQ launches database for kids' EHRs
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed a new database with support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that can help software developers create better EHRs for the care of children.
The children’s EHR format is meant to establish a blueprint for EHRs to better meet the needs of healthcare providers and pediatric patients by combining best practices in clinical care, IT and insights from experts in children’s health, according to the agency. "Since few EHRs have been created with children’s needs in mind, gaps in functionality, data elements and other areas tend to occur," AHRQ wrote in its announcement about the database.
The format seeks to guide EHR developers in understanding the requirements for functionality, data standards, usability and interoperability of an EHR system to more optimally support the provision of healthcare to children, especially those enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The agency said that the format is accessible and adoptable by EHR developers for use during product development or enhancement.
In addition to providing guidance to developers, the format can provide guidance for EHR system purchasers and policy makers. For example, policy makers and purchasers can use the requirements when assessing functionality of EHRs.
Further information about the database is available at the AHRQ website.