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[Accordion] Overview
Designing effective forms is essential for capturing accurate data, ensuring ease of use, and maintaining consistency across your EHR system. Whether you’re creating Patient, Staff, Progress Note, Standalone, or Simple forms, following best practices helps users complete forms efficiently while minimizing errors.
[Q] Plan Before You Build
[A]
- Define the purpose: Determine whether the form is used for clinical documentation, HR processes, reporting, or reference.
- Identify the users: Understand who will use the form (clinicians, HR staff, administrators, patients) and how it fits into their workflow.
- Plan the fields: Outline necessary fields, sections, and any logic before creating the form.
[Q]Keep Forms Simple and Logical
[A]
- Arrange fields in a logical sequence. (e.g., general information → details → observations → notes).
- Group related fields under clear sections or headers to improve readability.
- Avoid overwhelming users. Split complex forms into multiple, manageable sections when possible.
[Q]Use Consistent Field Types and Labels
[A]
- Apply consistent naming conventions for fields across all forms to maintain clarity.
- Use clear, concise labels to make the form easy to understand.
- Use dropdowns, list boxes, and radio buttons for standardized choices to reduce errors and ensure uniform data entry.
[Q]Leverage Simple Forms for Reusable Data
[A]
- Use Simple Custom Forms to maintain consistent lists, such as Departments, Job Roles, or Relationships.
- Link dropdowns or list boxes to these lists to keep data consistent and simplify updates.
[Q]Consider Validation and Required Fields
[A]
- Mark essential fields as required to prevent missing critical information.
- Apply validation rules, such as date formats or numeric ranges, to minimize data entry errors.
- Add help text or placeholders to guide users and clarify the expected input.
[Q]Test Forms Before Publishing
[A]
- Test each form within its intended workflow to confirm all fields function correctly.
- Verify that data is saved, retrieved, and reported accurately.
- Check dropdowns and referenced lists to ensure correct values display.
[Q]Keep Layout and Design User-Friendly
[A]
- Use whitespace and clear sections to avoid clutter.
- Place frequently used fields near the top of the form for easy access.
- Ensure labels, instructions, and font sizes are easy to read.
[Q]Maintain and Update Forms Regularly
[A]
- Review forms regularly to ensure they align with current workflows and regulatory requirements.
- Update values in Simple Forms to reflect new list values without having to edit each individual form design.
- Archive or disable outdated forms to reduce confusion and maintain system clarity.
[Q]Plan for Accessibility
[A]
- Use clear, readable fonts and labels to enhance form usability.
- Ensure a logical tab order to support efficient keyboard navigation.
- Avoid overly complex layouts that could impede accessibility and user experience.
[Q]Document Your Design Decisions
[A]
- Maintain a reference document that outlines form purposes, field definitions, and data sources.
- Use this documentation to onboard new team members to help them understand workflows and minimize errors when updating forms.
[Accordion] Summary
Well-designed forms are:
- Clear and simple
- Logical and user-friendly
- Consistent across the system
- Easy to maintain and update
Following these best practices helps ensure accurate data capture, reduces errors, and improves the overall workflow for all EHR users.