Integrating Patient-Generated Health Data from Mobile Devices into Electronic Health Records: Best Practice Recommendations by the IFCC Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM)

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of wearable medical devices are being used for personal monitoring and professional health care purposes. These mobile health devices collect a variety of biometric and health data but do not routinely connect to a patient's electronic health record (EHR) or electronic medical record (EMR) for access by a patient's health care team.

Methods: The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM) developed consensus recommendations for consideration when interfacing mobile health devices to an EHR/EMR.

Results: IFCC C-MHBLM recommendations cover personalized monitoring and privacy concerns, data security, quality assurance of data transfer, and incorporation of alert triggers to warn users of important health conditions.

Conclusions: Considerations for interface ease-of-use, display of patient data in the EHR/EMR, and needs-based training programs for healthcare staff to understand the critical requirements, proper use, and integration of mobile health devices with EHR/EMRs are provided. Cooperation between healthcare providers, device manufacturers, and software developers is also recommended to drive future innovation in mobile health device technology development.

Keywords: Computer interfaces; Medical records; Mobile health technology; Wearable devices.