title: Structured Data Capture from Multiple EMRs: Towards an Architecture for Clinical Research.
abstract: EMR adoption by primary care physicians in Canada has increased dramatically in recent years. This provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to collaborate with primary care providers to capture structured data at the point of care. This paper describes the feasibility of converting a popular well-baby checklist form into an electronic version for research data collection. Usability and scalability of the instrument to large numbers of physicians was assessed. We developed and tested a standardized, electronic version of the Rourke Baby Record (eRourke) that was embedded into two different EMRs at four primary care clinics in Southern Ontario over a 6-month period. We utilized qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including on-site observation, key informant interviews and administration of pre- and post-questionnaires. Implementation of the eRourke improved the quality of data for research and reporting significantly. Providers also reported a subjective sense of having collected better quality data. Enhancing the usability of the form in 3 specific areas would likely increase the receptivity to the form to larger numbers of providers. Overall, providers were satisfied with the eRourke and felt that it captured higher quality information than previous versions (55% Agree before vs 88% Agree after).
authors: eHealth Ontario, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Zaib
authors: Z
authors: Zaveree
authors: InfoClin Inc, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Karim
authors: K
authors: Keshavjee
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D057189:Checklist; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009864:Ontario; D011320:Primary Health Care