The Elements of Style for Interruptive Electronic Health Record Alerts

Abstract

Background The proliferation of electronic health record (EHR) alerts has led to widespread alert fatigue and clinician burnout, undermining the effectiveness of clinical decision support and compromising patient safety.

Objectives We introduce a comprehensive style guide for designing interruptive alerts (IAs) in EHR systems to improve clinician engagement and reduce alert fatigue that has been approved by our institutional alert governance committees. This style guide addresses critical aspects of IAs, including format, typography, color coding, title brevity, patient identification, and introductory text. It also outlines the use of typographic emphasis, response options, default actions, and opt-out mechanisms, emphasizing the need for clear, concise, and actionable alerts that consider clinician workflow and cognitive burden.

Discussion A standardized style guide for IAs can enhance clinician experience and clinical outcomes by reducing alert fatigue. Incorporating feedback and continuous evaluation of alert effectiveness is essential for maintaining relevance and supporting patient care within a dynamic clinical environment.

Keywords

clinical decision support - alert fatigue - interruptive alerts - user interface design - patient safety

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

This study did not involve human subjects. No human subjects protections were applicable.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 26. Juli 2024

Angenommen: 27. Dezember 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
31. Dezember 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
07. Mai 2025

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