Stakeholder consensus on the purpose of clinical evaluation of electronic health records is required

Stakeholders need to agree on a mutually acceptable, consistent method to guide regulatory decisions. The lack of consensus regarding the purpose and performance of clinical evaluation of EHRs could impact negatively on a safe and efficient documentation in healthcare. Thus, there is a need for more consistent use of terms and concepts in, and a more systematic approach to, clinical evaluation of EHRs. To ensure that the implementation of IT in healthcare meets expectations, delivers the desired outcome, and does not create new problems, it should be evaluated.