Addressing Cognitive Load in Training on Electronic Medical Record systems

Problems with Health Information Technology (HIT) involve human and technical factors with human factor significantly more likely to harm patients. A human factor contributing to these problems is cognitive load – the load imposed on an individual’s working memory. While the literature explored cognitive load in areas of design and use of HIT, little is discussed about it in the area of training – a prerequisite for competent use of HIT. This study subscribed to Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and explored cognitive load in training on Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems as a prevalent form of HIT in intensive care environments. Designers, trainers, and trainees of instructional materials for EMR systems training in a neonatal intensive care unit were interviewed in an interpretive case study. The preliminary results indicated cognitive load as a recognised phenomenon in EMR systems training but pointed to a lack of awareness of CLT techniques for managing cognitive load.