Desiderata for a New Generation of EHRs for Inclusive Healthcare

Abstract

Objectives: This research addresses several factors relevant to inequity in healthcare that may be susceptible to being addressed in a new generation of electronic health records (EHRs). Methods: Through a scoping review of the literature, inequities related to ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic aspects in healthcare in general and, more specifically in EHRs, have been considered. Papers have been identified between 2011 and 2022 in three categories: EHR, gender inequalities, and ethnicity inequalities. Results: Twenty-two recommendations have been identified within the scope of the three categories indicated above. These exposed requirements focus on two spheres: (1) technical sphere, mainly focused on the characteristics and tools that the EHR should develop from taking into account the studied inequalities; and (2) clinical sphere, which mainly affects patients, health professionals, and health providers. Conclusions: Ethnic and gender inequalities are essential factors to take into account when diagnosing, monitoring, preventing, and treating a patient. These factors give us the keys to discovering recommendations for a new generation of EHRs to help mitigate these needs.