Use safety guides to get improved performance from your EHR, vendor

Why This Topic Matters

EHR safety and reliability affect day-to-day clinical operations, downtime readiness, and communication workflows. The article helps readers understand why these guidance documents matter for practice oversight and vendor discussions without replacing the full premium content.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the new SAFER guides

   Introduces the ONC safety guidance for electronic health record resilience and why it was released. Summarizes the broad focus on maintaining safe operation during disruptions and routine use.

2. Self-assessment and key safety areas

   Describes the types of assessment materials included in the guidance and the major functional areas addressed. Covers broad workflow and safety topics relevant to EHR operations.

3. Patient identification and downtime readiness

   Discusses patient identification concerns and preparation for system downtime. Highlights the importance of reviewing safety practices and training for contingency situations.

4. Ask the vendor

   Focuses on vendor contracts, support expectations, and questions practices should raise with their EHR vendors. Emphasizes reviewing responsibility for safety-related support and maintenance.

5. Do it yourself

   Covers practice-level responsibilities that still require internal review and oversight. Addresses decision-making around clinical support, order sets, and local workflow governance.