Usability methods to improve EMRs

This document discusses various usability methods that can be used at different stages of electronic medical record (EMR) development to improve usability. It describes contextual inquiry, personas, use case scenarios, requirements gathering, user stories, prototyping, card sorting, concept exploration, usability testing, incorporating user feedback, and maintaining design intent. Implementing usability methods early in the development process is most cost-effective, as it allows findings to be incorporated before significant code is written. While usability adds costs, it can provide measurable benefits like improved productivity, satisfaction, and safety.