Cognitive Support Overview

Despite decades of effort implementing at scale a computer-based patient record that will augment the decision-making capability of providers during a patient visit, we continue to fall short of the ideals espoused by the seminal work from the institute of medicine found here. In fact, there has been an epidemic of burnout associated with (at least in part) the use of electronic technology during the patient's visit. We have numerous research and information management advances across academic enterprises and industry that might be useful in health care settings. We need a way to measure how much these advances improve cognitive support (above and beyond adding to cognitive load) during a care episode.  Our lab has begun working with CMS, after publishing this JAMA Viewpoint summarizing the concern. Our goal is to work with private and public groups to create what we have called these "SMARTER" guides.