Clinical data and behaviors aren't the only indicators of a person's well-being, and a research study led by the Institute of Medicine suggests factoring social and behavioral data into EHRs can help improve overall patient care.
Incorporating factors such as alcohol use, race/ethnicity, education, physical activity, stress and financial resource strains into a patient's record could highlight factors that influence the effectiveness of a patient's course of treatment, researchers suggest.
What's more, the report suggests the ONC should include such information in the EHR meaningful use certification process.
"In addition to informing clinical care, linking data from EHRs on factors such as food insecurity, lack of housing and social isolation to local public health departments and community agencies can allow these organizations to better address the needs of their community," reads the IOM report.
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