A usability assessment of AHLTA in ambulatory clinics at a military medical center.

The investigators conducted a formal usability evaluation of the military's electronic health record known as Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA). Seventeen providers from different specialties in the ambulatory setting were interviewed and observed at a military medical center. Data were analyzed by human factors experts. Observations and interviews yielded four major usability findings: (1) limited AHLTA use during the actual encounter, (2) difficulties in obtaining situational awareness of the patient, (3) work-arounds with nonintegrated systems, and (4) frustrations in the use of the structured documentation. This assessment is congruent with usability concerns voiced in other military health system (MHS) and nonmilitary clinical systems. Improving the usability of future MHS clinical systems could lead to improved clinical decision making, patient safety, and increased information accuracy.