The Potential Benefits of EHR Workflow Simulation Testing on Patient Safety

This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation-based testing of clinical workflows prior to the rollout of a new electronic health record (EHR) system at an academic medical center. Selected clinical areas participated in workflow simulations before implementation, and adverse safety events were then tracked across the hospital during the first eight weeks following go-live. The findings indicate that simulation-based workflow testing may help to mitigate safety risks associated with EHR transitions, particularly through reducing the frequency of specific types of safety events.

Analyze how simulation-based workflow testing could potentially influence the type and frequency of reported safety events during EHR implementation.

Develop approaches for building upon simulation-based workflow testing findings to optimize future EHR implementations and advance patient safety initiatives.